Molecular biology

Molecular Structures

Diverse structures formed by molecules involved in biological processes.

Covalent Bond

A strong bond formed when two atoms share a pair of electrons.

Side Chain

A chemical group attached to the main chain of a molecule.

Isomer

Molecules with the same chemical formula but different arrangements of atoms.

Monomer

A recurring subunit that can covalently join to form polymers.

Polymerization

The process of covalently joining monomers to form polymers.

Condensation Reaction

A reaction where monomers join to produce polymers, removing water in the process.

Hydrolysis Reaction

A reaction that breaks down polymers by adding water.

Biomolecules

Four main groups that contribute to cell structure and function: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates

Molecules consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically in the ratio (CH2O)n.

Monosaccharides

Monomer form of carbohydrates, typically closed ring structures.

Disaccharides

Polymers of carbohydrates consisting of two monosaccharides.

Polysaccharides

Polymers of carbohydrates made of many monosaccharides.

Glucose

A hexose sugar, primary energy source for cellular respiration (C6H12O6).

Lipids

Hydrophobic molecules consisting mainly of carbon and hydrogen.

Fatty Acids

Unbranched chains that serve as monomers for triglycerides.

Triglycerides

Polymers formed from three fatty acids and glycerol.

Saturated Lipids

Lipids containing only single bonds in their fatty acid chains.

Unsaturated Lipids

Lipids containing one or more double/triple bonds in their fatty acid chains.

Butyric Acid

A short-chain saturated fatty acid found in some fats and oils.

Proteins

Large molecules made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur.

Amino Acid

The monomer of proteins; there are twenty unique amino acids in life.

Polypeptides

Long chains of amino acids that form proteins.

Insulin

A hormone protein that regulates glucose levels in the blood.

Collagen

A structural protein found in connective tissues.

Nucleic Acids

Biomolecules consisting of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorous that store genetic information.

Nucleotide

The monomer of nucleic acids.

DNA

A nucleic acid that carries genetic information.

RNA

A nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis and carrying genetic information.

Saturation in Lipids

The classification of lipids based on the presence of double or triple bonds in their fatty acid chains.