Unit 1: Cell Biomolecules

Vocabulary flashcards covering the four major cell biomolecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids) based on Unit 1 lecture notes.

Biomolecule

Carbon-based molecules that are found in, produced by, and used by all living things.

Monomer

Small, single molecules that join together to form a polymer.

Polymer

A large molecule made of repeating monomers.

Carbohydrates

Sugar biomolecules that serve as the main source of quick energy for cells and can be broken down quickly to produce $ATP$. Elements are CHO

Monosaccharide

The monomer of carbohydrates, with examples including glucose and ribose.

Polysaccharide

The polymer of carbohydrates, with examples including cellulose, amylose (starch), and glycogen.

Glucose

A simple sugar monosaccharide with the chemical formula $C_6H_{12}O_6$.

Amino Acid

The monomer of proteins; 20 common types are used in cells to build proteins.

Polypeptide

A polymer chain made of amino acids connected by peptide bonds.

Protein

A biomolecule whose shape determines its function, essential for structural support (cytoskeleton),elements (CHON), cell transport, and speeding up reactions (enzymes)

Enzyme

A biological catalyst (usually a protein) found in living organisms that speeds up chemical reactions without being used up.

Lactase

An enzyme that acts on the substrate lactose to break it down into glucose and galactose.

Lipids

Biomolecules (fats) composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (CHO) used for long-term energy storage, insulation, body cushioning, and cell membrane structure.

Glycerol and Fatty Acid

The monomers of lipids

Triglyceride

An example of a lipid polymer

Phospholipid

A lipid polymer that forms and maintains the structure and function of the cell membrane.

Hydrophilic

A term describing a property or substance that is water-loving.

Hydrophobic

A term describing a property or substance that is water-hating.

Nucleic Acids

Biomolecules used by all cells to store and transmit genetic information and to provide instructions for building proteins. Elements (CHONP)

Nucleotide

The monomer of nucleic acids, consisting of a phosphate group, a nitrogen base, and a sugar.

Polynucleotide

The polymer of nucleic acids formed by joining nucleotides together, with examples being DNA and RNA.

DNA

A nucleic acid polymer that stores genetic information in its sequence of bases and passes it down to offspring.

RNA

A nucleic acid polymer that transmits genetic instructions from DNA to the ribosome to construct proteins.