Chapter 1–8: Introduction to Cellular Biology and Macromolecules

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Chapters 1 through 8, focusing on basic cellular biology and the major macromolecules.

cellular biology

The science focused on the structure, function, and processes of cells.

scaffolding approach

A teaching method that starts with simple concepts and builds toward more complex cellular life.

molecule

A group of atoms bonded together functioning as a unit in living systems.

monomer

A small, stable building block that can join with other monomers to form larger molecules.

polymer

A large molecule formed by linking together many monomers.

polymerization

The process of joining monomers to form polymers.

macromolecule

A large biological molecule composed of many smaller units, such as carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins.

carbohydrate

A sugar molecule used for energy and structure; includes simple sugars called monosaccharides.

monosaccharide

A simple sugar that serves as the basic unit of carbohydrates.

lipid

A family of fats and related molecules used for energy storage, cushioning, and membranes.

fatty acid

A long hydrocarbon chain with a carboxyl group; the building block of many lipids.

triglyceride

A lipid formed when three fatty acids attach to a glycerol head.

phospholipid

A lipid with two fatty acids and a phosphate-containing head, essential for membranes.

membrane

A structure that separates the cell from its environment, often a phospholipid bilayer.

nucleic acid

DNA and RNA; information storage and transfer in cells.

nucleotide

The monomer of nucleic acids, consisting of a nitrogen base, a five-carbon sugar, and a phosphate.

nitrogen base

The component of nucleotides that pairs to store genetic information (A, T/U, C, G).

sugar-phosphate backbone

The alternating sugar and phosphate linkages that form the main framework of DNA and RNA strands.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; stores and transmits genetic information with a sugar-phosphate backbone.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid; involved in information transfer and often single-stranded.

protein

Large, diverse molecules that perform most cellular functions; built from amino acids.

amino acid

The monomer of proteins; there are 20 types.

R group

The side chain of an amino acid that determines its chemical properties and behavior.

primary structure

The linear sequence of amino acids in a protein.

secondary structure

Local folding patterns such as alpha helices and beta sheets held together by hydrogen bonds.

tertiary structure

The three-dimensional folding of a protein driven by interactions among R groups.

quaternary structure

The assembly of multiple polypeptide chains into a functioning protein.

protein folding

The process by which a protein attains its 3D structure; misfolding can cause disease.

biochemistry

The chemistry of life; the study of chemical processes in living organisms.

ATP

A nucleotide involved in energy storage and transfer in cells.

carbon backbone

The main chain of carbon atoms that forms the backbone of most large biological molecules.