Biomolecules: Lipids, Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Nucleic Acids

Vocabulary flashcards covering the major biomolecules (lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids), their monomers, and key elemental compositions from the notes.

Lipids

Macromolecules that store long-term energy and act as signaling molecules; monomers are glycerol and fatty acids; elements: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen.

Glycerol

A three-carbon alcohol that forms the backbone of many lipids when bound to fatty acids.

Fatty Acids

Long hydrocarbon chains that pair with glycerol to form lipids; provide energy storage and components of membranes.

Carbohydrates

Macromolecules that provide a fast source of energy; monomer: monosaccharides; elements: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen.

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars; the monomers of carbohydrates.

Proteins

Macromolecules that build muscle, support the immune system, and act as enzymes; monomer: amino acids; elements: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen.

Amino Acids

The building blocks of proteins.

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecules involved in coding traits (genetic information); monomer: nucleotides; elements: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus; found in all living things.

Nucleotides

Building blocks of nucleic acids; composed of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

CHO

Chemical shorthand for Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen—the elements in carbohydrates and lipids.

CHON

Elements: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen—the key elements in proteins and nucleic acids.

CHONP

Elements: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus—the key elements in nucleic acids.

Monomer

The small unit that joins to form polymers; examples: glycerol and fatty acids (lipids); monosaccharides (carbohydrates); amino acids (proteins); nucleotides (nucleic acids).