Biomolecules and Cellular Functions

A set of flashcards covering key concepts, definitions, and facts related to biomolecules, cellular functions, enzymes, and metabolism.

Biomolecule

A large molecule that is essential for life, such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Monomer

The basic building block of polymers, such as glucose for carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates

Organic molecules that provide energy and structural support, classified as monosaccharides, disaccharides, or polysaccharides.

Monosaccharide

The simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar molecules like glucose.

Disaccharide

A carbohydrate composed of two monosaccharides, such as sucrose.

Polysaccharide

A carbohydrate made up of many monosaccharides linked together, such as starch.

Lipid

A type of biomolecule that is hydrophobic and includes fats, oils, and steroids.

Fatty acid

A long hydrocarbon chain that is a component of lipids.

Phospholipid

A lipid molecule made of two fatty acids and a phosphate group, forming cell membranes.

Steroid

A type of lipid characterized by a carbon skeleton with four fused rings, such as cholesterol.

Protein

A biomolecule made of amino acids, responsible for various cellular functions.

Amino acid

The building block of proteins, consisting of an amino group, carboxyl group, and a variable 'R' group.

Enzyme

A biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in cells.

Nucleic acid

Biomolecules that store and transmit genetic information, such as DNA and RNA.

Nucleotide

The building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

Cofactor

An inorganic molecule that assists enzymes in biochemical reactions.

Coenzymes

Organic cofactors, such as NAD⁺ and FAD, that assist enzymes.

Active site

The region on an enzyme where substrate molecules bind.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions in a biological system, including anabolism and catabolism.

Anabolism

The metabolic pathway that constructs molecules from smaller units, typically consuming energy.

Catabolism

The metabolic pathway that breaks down molecules into smaller units, releasing energy.

ATP

A high-energy molecule that provides energy for cellular processes.

Redox reaction

A chemical reaction involving the transfer of electrons, often involving NAD⁺ and FAD.

Chaperone protein

Proteins that assist other proteins in folding properly.

Ubiquitin

A small protein that tags damaged proteins for degradation.

Proteasome

A complex that degrades unneeded or damaged proteins tagged by ubiquitin.

Integral protein

A membrane protein that extends across the bilayer, involved in transport and signaling.

Peripheral protein

A membrane protein that is loosely attached to the surface of the membrane.

Endocytosis

The process by which cells take up materials by engulfing them in a vesicle.

Exocytosis

The process of vesicles fusing with the plasma membrane to release contents outside the cell.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein filaments that provide structure and support to cells.

Lysosome

An organelle containing digestive enzymes to break down waste materials.

Peroxisome

An organelle that contains enzymes for detoxifying harmful substances.

Golgi apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

A cellular structure involved in protein synthesis and processing, studded with ribosomes.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

An organelle involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification.

Mitochondria

Organelles responsible for energy production through ATP synthesis.

Signal transduction

The process by which a cell responds to signals from its environment.

Autocrine signaling

Cell signaling where a cell signals itself.

Paracrine signaling

Cell signaling where a cell communicates with nearby cells.

Endocrine signaling

Signal transmission through hormones released into the bloodstream.

Energy activation

The energy required to initiate a chemical reaction.

High specificity

The ability of an enzyme to catalyze a specific reaction.

Competitive inhibition

A type of enzyme inhibition where an inhibitor competes with the substrate for the active site.

Non-competitive inhibition

A type of inhibition where an inhibitor binds to a different site than the active site.

Irreversible inhibition

A type of inhibition that permanently inactivates an enzyme.

Cell membrane permeability

The ability of substances to pass through the cell membrane.

Diffusion

The movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Facilitated diffusion

The process of passive transport of molecules across a membrane via specific transmembrane proteins.

Active transport

The movement of substances across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.