The Function and Structure of Biomolecules

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing the functions, structures, subunits, and classifications of major biomolecules based on the provided lecture notes.

Carbohydrates

Biomolecules broken down into sugar subunits (monosaccharides and disaccharides) that serve as an energy source, are produced during photosynthesis, and are used to make cell walls.

Lipids

Non-polymer biomolecules, such as triglycerides, composed of glycerol and fatty acids that are nonpolar, used to make cell membranes, and used for energy storage.

Proteins

Biomolecules (also called polypeptides) composed of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds that serve as components of the cytoskeleton and are required by animals for survival.

Nucleic Acids

Biomolecules, including DNA and RNA, that serve to store and transmit genetic information in every living cell.

Triglyceride

A form of lipid created by combining a molecule of glycerol with three fatty acids, used to store large amounts of energy.

Polypeptide

Another term for a protein molecule composed of amino acid chains.

Polysaccharide

A carbohydrate polymer composed of many sugar subunits.

Monosaccharide

A single sugar unit that serves as a monomer subunit for complex carbohydrates.

Disaccharide

A carbohydrate molecule composed of two sugar subunits.

Mono-

A prefix defined as meaning 'one'.

Poly-

A prefix defined as meaning 'many'.

Organic Compound

A chemical compound that contains both carbon and hydrogen atoms, such as carbohydrates, lipids, and methane.

Peptide Bonds

The specific chemical bonds that join amino acids together to form proteins.

DNA and RNA

The two forms of nucleic acids that store and transmit genetic information throughout the cell.

building blocks for carbohydrate

Simple sugars ex glucose

Nucleic Acid

Nucleotide ex dna and rna

Proteins building blocks

Amino acid