Unit 1: Biomolecules, Functional Groups, and Carbon Skeletons

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering functional groups, biomolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids), monomers, polymers, and variations in carbon skeleton structures.

Hydroxyl group

A chemical functional group with the formula $-OH$ that forms alcohols.

Carbonyl group

A chemical functional group characterized by a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom ($C=O$).

Carboxyl group

A chemical functional group with the formula $-COOH$ that forms carboxylic acids and exists in an ionized form.

Amino group

A chemical functional group with the formula $-NH_2$ that forms amines.

Phosphate group

A chemical functional group with the formula $-OPO_3^{2-}$ that forms organic phosphates.

Methyl group

A chemical functional group with the formula $-CH_3$ that forms methylated compounds.

Carbohydrates

Biomolecules composed of $CHO$ that function as an energy source for the cell and provide structural support for plant cells.

Monosaccharide

The monomer unit of carbohydrates, such as glucose.

Polysaccharide

The polymer form of carbohydrates, such as cellulose and glycogen.

Cellulose

A carbohydrate polysaccharide that provides structural support in plant cell walls.

Glycogen

A carbohydrate polysaccharide found in the liver and muscle cells of animals.

Lipids

Biomolecules composed of $CHO$ that function in long term energy storage and cell membrane structure; examples include fats, steroids, and hormones.

Fatty acid chain

The monomer building block of lipids.

Triglyceride

The polymer form of lipids.

Proteins

Biomolecules composed of $CHON$ that speed up chemical reactions, transport molecules, and build and repair cells.

Amino acid

The monomer building block of proteins.

Polypeptide Chain

The polymer form of proteins.

Enzymes

Protein molecules that speed up chemical reactions.

Nucleic Acids

Biomolecules composed of $CHONP$ that serve as the genetic blueprint of the cell.

Nucleotide

The monomer unit of nucleic acids.

Carbon Skeleton Length

A variation where carbon skeletons vary in the number of carbon atoms, such as in ethane and propane.

Carbon Skeleton Double Bonds

A variation where carbon skeletons contain double bonds that can vary in location, such as in 1-butene and 2-butene.

Carbon Skeleton Branching

A variation where carbon skeletons may be unbranched, like butane, or branched, like isobutane.

Carbon Skeleton Rings

A structural variation where carbon skeletons form rings, such as cyclohexane and benzene, in which each corner represents a carbon and its attached hydrogens.