Chapter 3: Biomolecules Vocabulary

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering biomolecules, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, water, and food test procedures from Chapter 3.

Biomolecules

the molecules found in living organisms. e.g protein,lipids and carbohyrdrates

Carbohydrates

Biomolecules composed of Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O) in the fixed ratio $C_x(H_2O)_y$.

Monosaccharide

A carbohydrate composed of a single sugar unit, e.g Fructose,Glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$ )

Disaccharide

A carbohydrate composed of two monosaccharides joined together, e.g Maltose or Sucrose.

Polysaccharide

A carbohydrate composed of many monosaccharides joined together in long or branched chains, e.g Starch, Glycogen, or Cellulose.

Starch

A polysaccharide (also called amylose) made of many glucose molecules joined in a chain; serves as stored food in plants.

Cellulose

glucose molecules bonded together

Glycogen

A complex, highly branched polysaccharide made of glucose units; serves as stored food in animals.

Fats

Lipids that are solid at room temperature.

Oils

Lipids that are liquid at room temperature.

Triglyceride

The basic structural unit of a lipid, consisting of three fatty acids attached to one glycerol molecule.

Phospholipid

A lipid molecule in which one fatty acid of a triglyceride is replaced by a phosphate group; forms a major component of cell membranes.

Amino Acid

The basic building block of a protein, consisting of a central Carbon atom bonded to Hydrogen, an Amino group ($NH_2$), a Carboxyl group ($COOH$), and a variable R group.

Peptide

A chain consisting of 20 or fewer amino acids linked by peptide bonds.

Polypeptide

A chain containing more than 20 amino acids linked by peptide bonds.

Protein

A biomolecule made of a long polypeptide chain containing at least 200 amino acids.

Prion

A protein that hasn't folded properly and causes disease, such as Mad Cow Disease.

Fibrous Proteins

Proteins that form long, straight chains or threads without folding, such as Keratin.

Globular Proteins

Proteins that fold into spherical shapes, such as enzymes and hormones.

Vitamins

Biomolecules required in small amounts that function exclusively in metabolic roles.

Vitamin D

A fat-soluble vitamin stored in body fat that aids calcium absorption; deficiency causes rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults.

Vitamin C

A water-soluble vitamin required for connective tissue production; deficiency causes scurvy.

Minerals

Inorganic biomolecules needed in very small amounts to maintain homeostasis and support cell function.

Structural Role

The function of a biomolecule when it forms part of the physical structure of a cell or tissue.

Metabolic Role

The function of a biomolecule when it participates in or regulates chemical processes in cells.

Qualitative Test

An experimental test used to identify the presence or absence of a specific substance.

Quantitative Test

An experimental test used to measure the amount or concentration of a specific biomolecule.

Benedict's Test

A food test for reducing sugars that turns from blue to brick red when heated with Benedict's solution.

Iodine Test

A food test for starch using iodine solution, which turns from orange to blue-black in a positive result.

Biuret Test

A food test for protein using Biuret solution, which turns from blue to violet in a positive result.

Brown Paper Test

A food test for lipids where rubbing a sample on brown paper leaves a translucent spot.