Biochemistry: Lipids, Carbohydrates, and Proteins

Vocabulary practice flashcards defining key biological molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes, and amino acids, based on lecture questions.

Linoleic acid

An essential fatty acid derived from plant sources.

Sucrose

A type of simple carbohydrate.

Collagen

A structural protein that commonly contains glycine.

Glycine

An amino acid commonly found in collagen that acts as a precursor for collagen synthesis.

Cholesterol

A lipid that serves as a precursor for steroid hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids.

Cellulose

A complex carbohydrate that is not digestible by humans.

Myosin

A protein involved in muscle contraction.

Monoglycerides and free fatty acids

The form in which dietary lipids are absorbed in the small intestine.

Tryptophan

An amino acid that serves as a precursor for serotonin synthesis.

Phospholipids

Lipids that are a major component of cell membranes and the brain.

Pepsin

An enzyme responsible for breaking down proteins in the stomach.

Hemoglobin

A type of protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

A lipid considered to be "bad" cholesterol.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)

A lipid considered to be "good" cholesterol.

Lactose

A carbohydrate commonly found in milk.

Arginine

An amino acid that serves as a precursor for nitric oxide.

Coconut oil

A lipid that is solid at room temperature.

Amylase

An enzyme responsible for breaking down starch in the small intestine.

Glucose

A carbohydrate that serves as the primary source of energy for the brain and muscles during exercise.

Threonine

An amino acid commonly found in milk proteins.

Trypsin

An enzyme responsible for breaking down proteins in the small intestine.

Immunoglobulins

A type of protein responsible for defending the body against foreign invaders and pathogens.

Glycogen

A carbohydrate that is the primary storage form of glucose in animals.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Lipids commonly found in fish oils and seafood.

Lipase

An enzyme responsible for breaking down fats in the small intestine.

Apolipoproteins

A type of protein responsible for transporting lipids in the blood.

Palmitic acid

A saturated fatty acid derived from animal sources.

Fructose

A carbohydrate found in honey.

Bile salts / Bile acids

Lipids that are a major component of bile and are essential for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Salivary amylase

An enzyme responsible for breaking down carbohydrates in the mouth.

Albumin

A type of protein responsible for regulating fluid balance and blood pH balance.

Fatty acids

Lipids that serve as precursors for prostaglandins.

Tyrosine

An amino acid that serves as a precursor for the synthesis of dopamine and adrenaline.

Cysteine

An amino acid commonly found in egg whites.

Starch

A carbohydrate found in beans and lentils, and the primary storage form of sugar in plants.

Monounsaturated fats

Lipids commonly found in olive oil and avocado.

Methionine

An amino acid commonly found in nuts and seeds.

Sucrase

An enzyme responsible for breaking down carbohydrates in the small intestine.

Leucine

An amino acid commonly found in meat and dairy products.

Lysine

An amino acid commonly found in legumes (such as beans and lentils) and meats (such as beef and chicken).

Polyunsaturated fats

A class of lipids commonly found in nuts and seeds.