CH 3 Major Molecules of Life

Chemical Building Blocks of Life

Hydrocarbon

A compound consisting only of carbon and hydrogen.

Covalent Bond

The strongest type of bond, formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Organic Chemistry

The study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and synthesis of carbon-containing compounds.

Molecular Formula

A representation of the number and types of atoms in a molecule.

Structural Formula

A graphical representation of the molecular structure showing how atoms are arranged.

Hydrophilic

Having an affinity for water; tends to dissolve in water.

Hydrophobic

Repelling water; does not dissolve in water.

Monomer

A single repeating unit that can join with others to form a polymer.

Polysaccharide

A carbohydrate molecule composed of a long chain of monosaccharides.

Glycosidic Linkage

A covalent bond between two monosaccharides formed during a dehydration reaction.

Lipids

A diverse group of organic compounds that are insoluble in water, including fats and oils.

Triglyceride

A type of fat composed of glycerol and three fatty acids.

Saturated Fatty Acid

A fatty acid with no double bonds between carbon atoms; solid at room temperature.

Unsaturated Fatty Acid

A fatty acid with one or more double bonds, causing kinks in the chain; liquid at room temperature.

Phospholipid

A lipid containing a phosphate group, forming the bilayer of cell membranes.

Steroid

A type of lipid characterized by a carbon skeleton consisting of four fused rings.

Peptide Bond

A covalent bond formed between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another.

Denaturation

The process in which a protein loses its shape and function due to environmental changes.

Nucleotide

The monomer of nucleic acids, consisting of a nitrogenous base, pentose sugar, and phosphate group.

Isomer

Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures.

Enzyme

A protein that acts as a catalyst to accelerate chemical reactions.

What are the four major classes of biological macromolecules?

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, which are crucial for the structure and function of living organisms.