Biomolecules

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to biomolecules including their types and functions.

Biomolecules

Molecules that make up living organisms, primarily including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates

Organic molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, serving as a primary energy source; includes sugars and starches.

Structural classes of carbohydrates

Divided into monosaccharides (one sugar), disaccharides (two sugars), and polysaccharides (multiple sugars).

Lipids

Hydrophobic molecules including fats and waxes, serving as energy storage, insulation, and structural components of cell membranes.

Proteins

Large biomolecules made of amino acids that perform various functions in the body including support, transport, and enzyme activity.

Nucleic acids

Biomolecules including DNA and RNA that carry genetic information and play roles in protein synthesis.

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars that are the building blocks of carbohydrates.

Disaccharides

Carbohydrates formed from two monosaccharides.

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates made of long chains of monosaccharide units.

Functions of lipids

Store energy, insulate the body, and form structural components of cell membranes.

Functions of proteins

Support bodily functions such as movement, transport, enzymatic reactions, and immune response.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; the molecule that carries genetic instructions in living organisms.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid; involved in protein synthesis and carries information from DNA.

Components of DNA

Consists of a sugar backbone, nitrogenous bases, and phosphate groups.

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains instructions to synthesize a specific protein.