Elements, Biomolecules, Specialized Cells, and Tissues Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to chemical elements, bonds, biomolecules, specialized cells, and tissue types.

Monomer

A single, small molecular unit that serves as a building block to form larger complex molecules called polymers.

Polymer

A large molecule composed of many repeating monomer units linked together.

Organic Compound

A chemical compound that contains both carbon ($\text{C}$) and hydrogen ($\text{H}$) atoms.

Inorganic Compound

A chemical compound that typically does not contain both carbon ($\text{C}$) and hydrogen ($\text{H}$) together.

Carbohydrate

A major biomolecule composed of carbon ($\text{C}$), hydrogen ($\text{H}$), and oxygen ($\text{O}$) that serves as a primary source of short-term energy and structural support.

Monosaccharide

The monomer unit of carbohydrates, consisting of a single simple sugar molecule such as glucose.

Polysaccharide

The polymer form of carbohydrates, consisting of long chains of monosaccharides linked together, such as starch or glycogen.

Lipid

A biomolecule composed primarily of carbon ($\text{C}$), hydrogen ($\text{H}$), and oxygen ($\text{O}$) used for long-term energy storage, cell membrane structure, and insulation.

Fatty Acids and Glycerol

The structural building block components that make up complex lipid molecules.

Protein

A biomolecule composed of carbon ($\text{C}$), hydrogen ($\text{H}$), oxygen ($\text{O}$), and nitrogen ($\text{N}$) that performs structural, enzymatic, transport, and defense functions.

Amino Acid

The monomer unit of proteins, containing an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a unique side chain.

Polypeptide

A polymer chain consisting of many amino acids linked by peptide bonds, which folds into a functional protein.

Nucleic Acid

A biomolecule composed of carbon ($\text{C}$), hydrogen ($\text{H}$), oxygen ($\text{O}$), nitrogen ($\text{N}$), and phosphorus ($\text{P}$) that stores and transmits genetic information.

Nucleotide

The monomer unit of nucleic acids, composed of a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Chemical Bond Energy

Energy stored within chemical bonds, where breaking bonds requires energy input and forming new bonds releases energy.

Covalent Bond

A strong chemical bond formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons.

Ionic Bond

A chemical bond formed by the attraction between oppositely charged ions resulting from the complete transfer of electrons.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak attraction between a partially positive hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom in another molecule or part of a molecule.

Specialized Cell

A cell adapted with specific structural features to perform a unique function within an organism.

Connective Tissue

A primary body tissue that supports, protects, binds together, and integrates organs and other tissues.

Muscular Tissue

A body tissue composed of contractile cells capable of generating force to produce movement.

Epithelial Tissue

A body tissue composed of tightly packed cells that cover body surfaces, line internal cavities, and form glands.

Nervous Tissue

A body tissue specialized for sensing stimuli and transmitting electrical impulses throughout the body.