pH and Biological Organic Molecules

Vocabulary flashcards covering the pH scale, major classes of biological macromolecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids), their structural characteristics, and synthesis and degradation reactions.

pH Scale

A scale running from $0$ to $14$ that indicates how acidic or basic a solution is.

Acids

Substances that are lower on the pH scale (below $7$).

Neutral Solution

A substance with a pH of $7$, such as pure water.

Carbohydrates

Organic molecules that act as quick energy and provide structure and support.

Proteins

Organic molecules that speed reactions, transport substances, and make hormones.

Lipids

Organic molecules characterized by long chains of H and C that provide long term energy storage and form components of cell membranes.

Nucleic Acids

Organic molecules that store and communicate genetic information.

Monosaccharide

A carbohydrate unit characterized by one ring.

Disaccharide

A carbohydrate molecule composed of two rings.

Polysaccharide

A complex carbohydrate composed of three or more rings, such as cellulose or starch.

Phospholipid

A lipid molecule that serves as the primary component of cell membranes.

Head of Phospholipid

The polar, hydrophilic portion of a phospholipid molecule.

Tail(s) of Phospholipid

The nonpolar, hydrophobic portion of a phospholipid molecule.

Saturated Fatty Acid

A lipid with only single bonds in its hydrocarbon chain that is solid at room temperature.

Unsaturated Fatty Acid

A lipid containing some double bonds in its hydrocarbon chain that is liquid at room temperature.

Amino Acid

A building block of proteins containing an R group and nitrogen; humans utilize $20$ different types.

Dehydration Synthesis

A chemical process that results in the formation of a larger molecule.

Hydrolysis

A chemical process that involves the breaking down of a larger molecule.