Introduction to Biochemistry: Organic Chemistry and Cellular Macromolecules

Key vocabulary terms related to lipids, nucleic acids, and their functions in biochemistry.

Monomer

A basic unit that can join together with other small units to form larger molecules.

Polymer

A substance made of large molecules composed of many repeating subunits (monomers).

Lipid

A group of organic compounds, including fats, oils, and steroids, insoluble in water, used for energy storage, and as structural components of cell membranes.

Nucleic Acid

Polymers of monomers known as nucleotides, essential for storing and transmitting genetic information.

Phospholipid

A lipid molecule that is a major component of cell membranes, consisting of two fatty acids, a glycerol, and a phosphate group.

Saturated Fatty Acid

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

Unsaturated Fatty Acid

A fatty acid that contains one or more double bonds between carbon atoms, generally liquid at room temperature.

Eicosanoids

A family of signaling molecules derived from fatty acids that regulate various physiological functions.

Triacylglycerol

A type of lipid formed from glycerol and three fatty acids, used primarily for energy storage.

Hydrophobic

A property of molecules that do not interact with water; they are typically nonpolar.

Hydrophilic

A property of molecules that are attracted to water; they are typically polar, allowing them to dissolve in water.

Cholesterol

A type of steroid that is an essential component of cell membranes and is involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones.

Prostaglandins

A group of lipids that have diverse hormone-like effects in various physiological processes.

Amino Acid

The building blocks of proteins, consisting of a basic amino group, an acid group, and a side chain unique to each amino acid.

Nucleotide

A basic structural unit of nucleic acids, composed of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a single-stranded polymer composed of ribonucleotides; plays several roles in protein synthesis.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a double-stranded polymer composed of deoxyribonucleotides, responsible for storing genetic information.