Lecture 3 – Chemistry II – Organic Chemistry and the Molecules of Life

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary and concepts related to organic chemistry and the molecules of life, as discussed in Lecture 3.

Migraine

A type of headache characterized by intense, often debilitating pain that is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Palmitic acid

A saturated fatty acid found in animals and plants that plays a role in various biological processes.

Linolenic acid

An unsaturated fatty acid that is essential for human health and must be obtained from the diet.

Dehydration synthesis

A chemical reaction in which monomers are joined together by the removal of water, creating polymers.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction that breaks bonds in polymers by the addition of water, releasing monomers.

Disaccharides

Carbohydrates that consist of two linked monosaccharides, such as sucrose, maltose, and lactose.

Polysaccharides

Long chains of monosaccharides that serve as energy storage or structural components, such as starch and glycogen.

Triglyceride

A type of lipid composed of three fatty acids bound to glycerol; serves as a major form of energy storage.

Phospholipid

A molecule composed of two fatty acids and a phosphate group, forming the basis of cell membranes.

Steroid

A class of lipids characterized by a structure of four interlocking hydrocarbon rings, including cholesterol and sex hormones.

Amino acid

The building block of proteins, consisting of an amine group, a carboxylic acid group, and a unique side chain (R group).

Peptide bond

A covalent bond formed between two amino acids during protein synthesis.

Quaternary structure

The structure formed when two or more polypeptide chains combine to form a functional protein.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the genetic material of living organisms, consisting of two strands wound into a double helix.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, typically single-stranded, involved in protein synthesis and other cellular functions.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, a high-energy molecule that provides energy for various cellular processes.