Biomolecules - Part 2: Nucleic Acids & Lipids

These flashcards cover key concepts related to biomolecules, specifically focusing on nucleic acids and lipids. They include definitions of terms and concepts that are essential for understanding the structure and function of these biomolecules.

Nucleic Acids

Polymers made of nucleotide monomers that function to store, transmit and express hereditary information.

Nucleotide

The monomer of nucleic acids, consisting of a nitrogenous base, a five carbon sugar, and a phosphate group.

Polynucleotide

A polymer made up of nucleotide monomers, forming nucleic acids.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)

A type of nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions for the development and function of living things.

RNA (Ribonucleic acid)

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

Phosphate Group

A functional group consisting of a phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, crucial in forming nucleotides.

Pyrimidines

A type of nitrogenous base with a single-ring structure, including cytosine, thymine, and uracil.

Purines

A type of nitrogenous base with a double-ring structure, including adenine and guanine.

Phosphodiester linkage

The bond that links adjacent nucleotides in a polynucleotide, forming the backbone of DNA and RNA.

Fatty Acids

Long carbon chains with a carboxyl group at one end, which combine with glycerol to form fats.

Phospholipid

A lipid molecule that comprises two fatty acids, a glycerol, and a phosphate group, crucial for forming cell membranes.

Steroids

Lipid molecules with four fused rings, with different functional groups determining the type of steroid.

Saturated Fatty Acid

A fatty acid with no double bonds between carbon atoms, leading to the maximum number of hydrogen atoms.

Unsaturated Fatty Acid

A fatty acid that contains one or more double bonds between carbon atoms.

Hydrophobic

A characteristic of lipids where molecules are repelled by water.

Hydrophilic

A characteristic of some parts of lipids where molecules interact favorably with water.

Macromolecule

Large complex molecules including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, made from smaller subunits.