Chemical Organization of the Cell: Lipids, Proteins, & Nucleic Acids

Practice flashcards covering key concepts related to lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids as discussed in the lecture.

Lipids

Organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that are insoluble in water and soluble in nonpolar solvents.

Triglycerides

A type of lipid composed of three fatty acids bonded to glycerol; major storage form of fat.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids with single bonds between all carbon atoms, having full hydrogen saturation.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids with one or more double bonds between carbon atoms, resulting in fewer hydrogen atoms.

Phospholipids

Lipids that contain a lipid portion and a non-lipid portion, forming the main component of cell membranes.

Cholesterol

A type of steroid that is important for the structure of cell membranes and serves as a precursor for other steroids.

Amino Acids

The building blocks of proteins, comprising a central carbon atom, an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a side chain.

Peptide Bond

The covalent bond formed between two amino acids during protein synthesis through dehydration synthesis.

Denaturation

The loss of a protein's three-dimensional shape due to factors like temperature or pH, resulting in loss of function.

Nucleotides

The basic unit of nucleic acids, consisting of a phosphate group, a pentose sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule containing the genetic information of organisms.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid that helps in the synthesis of proteins.

Enzymes

Proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions, increasing the rate of reactions without being consumed.