Biology 241 - Human Physiology Review

Flashcards for Biology 241 - Human Physiology, covering macromolecules, atoms, chemical bonds, and properties of molecules.

Functions of Proteins

Enzymes, receptors, regulation of movement across membranes, anatomical structure, possibly energy in an emergency.

Functions of Carbohydrates

Monomers can be used to make ATP; Polymers store energy for the body.

Functions of Lipids

Monomers (fatty acids) can be used to make ATP; Polymers can be energy storage; Phospholipids build cell membranes; Steroids can be found in cell membranes and as hormones.

Functions of Nucleic Acids

Monomers are direct energy source (ATP, GTP); DNA=instructions for making all proteins; RNA=transports info from DNA to the cell machinery that makes proteins.

Basic Structure of an Atom

The center contains protons and neutrons. Electrons spin around the outside in shells. The outermost shell is called the valence shell. There are equal numbers of protons and electrons in a neutral atom.

Why Atoms Form Bonds

To fill their outer electron shell (valence shell) so that they are stable.

Ionic Bond Formation

One atom donates its electron(s) to another atom, forming ions that are attracted to each other.

Covalent Bond Formation

Two atoms share one, two, or three electrons so that both atoms have eight electrons in their outer shells at least part of the time.

Polar Covalent Bond

Shares its electrons unequally so that the electrons spend more time around one atom than they do around the other, giving the molecule a partial charge.

Non-Polar Covalent Bond

Shares its electrons equally so the molecule has no charged pieces.

Hydrophilic Molecules

Dissolve in water; are charged and like to associate with the charges on the water molecules; also called “water-soluble”.

Hydrophobic Molecules

Do not dissolve in water; are not charged and therefore have no attraction to the water molecules; also called “lipid-soluble”.

Dehydration Synthesis

The formation of a polymer by taking a hydroxyl group (OH) off of one molecule and a hydrogen (H) off of another to form water.

Hydrolysis

The opposite of dehydration synthesis; a water molecule will split into hydrogen and hydroxyl, breaking a bond on the polymer.

Characteristics of Carbohydrates

Tend to have a ring of carbons with hydroxyl groups coming off each one.

Characteristics of Amino Acids

Have a middle carbon bound to an amino group and a carboxyl group. The middle carbon has an H bound and a R-group bound, which determines the amino acid.

Characteristics of Fatty Acids

Have a long chain of carbons with hydrogens. The end carbon is a carboxyl group. Saturated have 2 hydrogen atoms bound to each carbon, while unsaturated have some double bonds between the carbons.

Characteristics of Nucleic Acids

Have a sugar ring with a phosphate coming off of one end and a nitrogen containing ring structure base coming off the other end.

Primary Structure of a Protein

String of amino acids linked up together- polypeptide chain

Secondary Structure of a Protein

Forms as the oxygens, nitrogens and hydrogens of the backbone interact with one another forming either helices or pleated sheets.

Tertiary Structure of a Protein

Formed when the R groups interact. Forms an active structure for some proteins.

Quaternary Structure of a Protein

A group of two or more tertiary structures. Only some proteins form this final structure as an active structure.