biomolecules terms

Carbohydrate

compose of C, H, and O; include starches and sugars

Monosaccharide

The simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of a single sugar molecule, such as glucose or fructose.

Glucose

A monosaccharide that is a primary energy source for cells and is a component of many carbohydrates.

Disaccharides

Carbohydrates formed by the combination of two monosaccharides, such as sucrose and lactose.

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates made up of long chains of monosaccharide units, such as starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

Lipids

A diverse group of hydrophobic organic molecules, including fats, oils, and steroids, that are important for energy storage and cell membrane structure.

Neutral fats (triglycerides)

Lipids composed of glycerol and three fatty acids, serving as a major form of energy storage in the body.

Fatty acids

Carboxylic acids with long hydrocarbon chains, which can be saturated or unsaturated, and are key components of lipids.

Glycerol

A three-carbon alcohol that forms the backbone of triglycerides and phospholipids.

Phospholipids

Lipids that contain a phosphate group, forming a bilayer in cell membranes, with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

Steroids

A class of lipids characterized by a carbon skeleton with four fused rings, including hormones like testosterone and cholesterol.

Proteins

Large biomolecules made up of amino acids, essential for various functions including catalyzing reactions, providing structure, and regulating processes.

Amino acids

Organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins, containing an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a variable side chain.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions in the body without being consumed in the process.

Nucleic acids

Biomolecules that store and transmit genetic information, including DNA and RNA.

Nucleotides

The building blocks of nucleic acids, consisting of a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and one or more phosphate groups.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, a nucleotide that serves as the primary energy carrier in cells.