Biology Flashcards: Chapters 5 & 6 - Campbell Biology (2025)

Biology Flashcards for Chapters 5 & 6 - Campbell Biology (2025)

What are the four major classes of biological macromolecules?

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids.

What is a monomer?

A small molecule that can join with others to form a polymer.

How are polymers formed and broken down?

Formed by dehydration synthesis (removing water), broken by hydrolysis (adding water).

What is the monomer of carbohydrates?

Monosaccharides (simple sugars like glucose).

Name two polysaccharides and their functions.

Starch (energy storage in plants), cellulose (structural support in plants).

What are lipids mainly composed of?

Glycerol and fatty acids.

What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?

Saturated fats have no double bonds; unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds.

What are proteins made of?

Amino acids.

Name the four levels of protein structure.

Primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary.

What are nucleic acids?

Polymers of nucleotides that store and transmit genetic information.

What is the primary energy currency in cells?

ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

What do enzymes do?

Speed up chemical reactions by lowering activation energy.

What is the active site of an enzyme?

The specific region where the substrate binds.

What is the difference between competitive and noncompetitive inhibitors?

Competitive inhibitors bind the active site; noncompetitive inhibitors bind elsewhere and change enzyme shape.

What is metabolism?

All chemical reactions that occur in a cell.

What are catabolic and anabolic reactions?

Catabolic: break down molecules and release energy. Anabolic: build molecules and consume energy.

What is activation energy?

The energy required to start a chemical reaction.

How do temperature and pH affect enzymes?

Extreme changes can denature enzymes, making them lose function.

What are cofactors and coenzymes?

Molecules that help enzymes function properly (e.g., vitamins, metal ions).