Biological Concepts and Structures

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to biological organization, cellular structures, and chemical bonds as discussed in the lecture.

Atom

The basic unit of a chemical element; may bond with others to form molecules.

Biosphere

The most inclusive level of biological organization that contains all living organisms.

Tissue

A group of similar cells joined together to perform a common function.

Proton

A subatomic particle with a positive charge.

Polysaccharide

A carbohydrate molecule that consists of long chains of monosaccharides; an example is glycogen.

Lipid

A class of biomolecules that includes fats, oils, and hormones; starch is NOT a lipid.

Protein Function

Proteins perform various functions including acting as enzymes, hormones, and structural support; they do NOT store genetic information.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

An organelle responsible for the production of proteins, characterized by the presence of ribosomes.

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce energy (ATP) and are abundant in muscle cells.

Carbohydrate

Molecules such as monosaccharides and polysaccharides; DNA is NOT considered a carbohydrate.

Ribosomes

The cellular structures that synthesize proteins.

Golgi Complex

The organelle responsible for the packaging and secretion of proteins.

Electron

A subatomic particle that possesses a negative charge.

Ion

An atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net charge.

Nucleus

The center of an atom, containing protons and neutrons.

Triglyceride

A type of lipid formed from glycerol and fatty acids through dehydration synthesis.

Glycogen

A polysaccharide used for energy storage in humans.

Hydrolysis Reaction

A chemical reaction involving the breakdown of a compound due to the reaction with water; e.g., disaccharide + H2O → monosaccharide + monosaccharide.

Ionic Bond

A type of chemical bond that occurs between oppositely charged ions, as in table salt (NaCl).