Biomolecules Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to biomolecules, their types, functions, and properties as found in the lecture notes.

Micromolecules

Small molecules that include vitamins and minerals.

Macromolecules

Large molecules that include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds that include sugars and starches, providing energy for the body.

Protein

Molecules that build enzymes, cells, hormones, and antibodies; a lack leads to muscle mass loss and weakened immunity.

Lipids

Fats that function to store energy and maintain body temperature.

Polymer

A long molecule made up of repeating units called monomers.

Monosaccharides

The simplest type of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar molecules.

Glycosidic linkage

A covalent bond that forms between carbohydrates during the production of disaccharides.

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates that are polymers composed of many sugar building blocks.

Cellulose

A complex carbohydrate that serves as a source of dietary fiber and maintains cell structure.

Amino acids

Organic molecules made up of an amino group, a carbonyl group, and a side chain; building blocks of proteins.

Peptide bond

A covalent bond that occurs between the amino group of one amino acid and the carbonyl group of another.

Cohesion

The tendency of water molecules to form bonds with other water molecules.

Hydrophilic

Substances that are water-loving and usually polar.

Hydrophobic

Substances that are water-fearing and usually non-polar.

Phospholipid

Molecules with polar heads and non-polar tails, essential for forming biological membranes.

Denatured protein

A protein that loses its shape due to environmental conditions, such as temperature and pH changes.

Saturation

The maximum reaction rate that can be achieved under certain conditions.