Week 2 Day 1: Organic vs Inorganic Molecules and Biomolecules

Flashcards cover organic vs inorganic distinctions, essential inorganic substances (water, O2, CO2, electrolytes), and major biomolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, phospholipids, steroids, proteins, nucleic acids) with their parts and functions.

What defines organic molecules?

They are composed of carbon and hydrogen bonded together.

How are inorganic molecules different in terms of carbon–hydrogen bonding?

Inorganic molecules may contain carbon or hydrogen but do not have carbon–hydrogen bonds.

What is the chemical formula of water and one of its roles in the body?

H2O; helps balance body fluids and can absorb and transfer heat.

What is the chemical formula of oxygen and why is it important?

O2; needed for survival as a nutrient.

What is carbon dioxide and how is it eliminated from the body?

CO2; a waste product of metabolism removed by exhalation.

List common inorganic electrolytes mentioned.

Sodium (Na+), Chloride (Cl-), Potassium (K+), Calcium (Ca2+).

What is the role of calcium in the body?

Helps with chemical processes within the body.

Name monosaccharides and give examples.

Monosaccharides—single sugars such as glucose and fructose.

Name disaccharides and give examples.

Disaccharides—double sugars such as sucrose and lactose.

Name polysaccharides and give examples.

Polysaccharides—complex sugars such as starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

What are lipids and which type is most common for energy storage?

Lipids are fats; triglycerides are most common for cellular energy and are stored as fat when in excess.

What distinguishes phospholipids from triglycerides?

Phospholipids have two fatty acids and a phosphate group and are major components of cell membranes.

What are saturated fatty acids?

Fatty acids with only single C–C bonds; usually solid at room temperature and of animal origin.

What are unsaturated fatty acids?

Fatty acids with one or more C=C double bonds; usually liquid at room temperature and of plant origin (e.g., olive oil).

What makes up the cell membrane among the biomolecules listed?

Phospholipids.

What are steroids and give examples.

Steroids are a class of lipids; examples include cholesterol, estrogen, and testosterone.

What are the general uses of proteins?

Proteins serve as structural materials, energy source, hormones, receptors, enzymes, and antibodies.

What are the four levels of protein structure?

Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure.

What are nucleic acids and which two main types exist?

Nucleic acids are DNA and RNA.

Describe DNA.

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) stores genetic code, contains deoxyribose, has a double-helix structure, and is made of nucleotides.

Describe RNA.

RNA (ribonucleic acid) interacts with DNA to conduct protein synthesis, contains ribose, and is typically single-stranded, made of nucleotides.