CAPE Biology Unit One: Cell and Molecular Biology

These flashcards provide key vocabulary terms and definitions for studying cell and molecular biology concepts.

Biochemistry

The study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms.

Cohesion

The ability of water molecules to stick to each other due to hydrogen bonds.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak bond between two molecules that occurs when a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom experiences attraction to another electronegative atom.

Monosaccharide

The simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of a single sugar unit such as glucose or fructose.

Disaccharide

A carbohydrate composed of two monosaccharides linked by a glycosidic bond.

Polysaccharide

A carbohydrate composed of a long chain of monosaccharide units, such as starch, glycogen, or cellulose.

Triglyceride

A type of lipid made up of three fatty acids and glycerol; used for long-term energy storage.

Phospholipid

A lipid molecule that is a major component of cell membranes, consisting of two fatty acids and a phosphate group attached to glycerol.

Amino Acid

The building blocks of proteins, each containing an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a variable side chain (R group).

Enzyme

A protein that acts as a biological catalyst, speeding up metabolic reactions by lowering the activation energy.

Primary Structure of Protein

The linear sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain, determined by genetic information.

Secondary Structure of Protein

The local folded structures that form within a polypeptide due to hydrogen bonding, mainly in alpha-helices and beta-pleated sheets.

Tertiary Structure of Protein

The overall three-dimensional shape of a single polypeptide chain, influenced by interactions among various side chains.

Quaternary Structure of Protein

The complex structure formed by the assembly of two or more polypeptide chains.

Macromolecule

Large complex molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids, that are essential for life.

Gene

A segment of DNA that encodes a functional product, often a protein.

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

A single-stranded nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis and gene regulation.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

A double-stranded molecule that carries genetic information for the development and functioning of living organisms.

Glycosidic Bond

The bond formed between two monosaccharides during a condensation reaction, linking them to form a disaccharide or polysaccharide.

hydrolysis reaction

A chemical reaction in which water is used to break down a compound.

Condensation Reaction

A chemical reaction that results in the formation of a more complex molecule and the elimination of a simpler molecule, typically water.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Evolution

The change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.