Key Concepts from Module 5 to Module 7: Macromolecules and Cells

These flashcards cover essential terms and concepts related to macromolecules and cellular biology as presented in the lecture notes.

Macromolecules

A big molecule with 2 atoms bonded together.

Monomer

A smaller molecule that makes a polymer; a small building block.

Polymer

A large molecule made up of many monomers.

Dehydration Synthesis

Joins molecules together by removing water molecules.

Hydrolysis

Breaks molecules apart by adding water molecules.

Functional Group

A group of atoms in a molecule that have the same chemical properties.

Phospholipid Bilayer

A two-layer membrane made of phospholipids.

Ligand

Molecules that change a protein's activity level by binding to the proteins.

Denaturation

When a protein loses its three-dimensional shape.

Activation Energy

Minimum energy required for a reaction.

Competitive Inhibitor

An inhibitor that competes with a ligand for the binding site.

Allosteric Inhibitor

Binds to the allosteric site, causing the binding site to be misshapen.

Cofactor

Binds to a binding site, providing a cushion for a better fit between protein and ligand.

Allosteric Activator

Binds to the allosteric site and reinforces the shape of the binding site.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, often in a 1:2:1 ratio.

Monosaccharides

Single sugars, such as glucose and fructose, that serve as primary fuel sources.

Disaccharides

Two sugars, like sucrose and lactose, formed from two monosaccharides.

Polysaccharides

Long chains of sugars, such as starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

Starch

Plant energy storage polysaccharide that can be digested.

Glycogen

Animal energy storage polysaccharide that can be digested.

Cellulose

Plant structural polysaccharide that cannot be digested.

Chitin

Animal structural polysaccharide that cannot be digested.

Fats

Glycerol head bound to three fatty acid tails for long-term energy storage.

Phospholipids

Glycerol head with phosphate group and two hydrophobic fatty acid tails.

Sterols

Lipids with four carbon fused rings serving as hormones or membrane stabilizers.

Saturated Fat

Fat with single bonds, straight chains, and solid at room temperature.

Unsaturated Fat

Fat characterized by double bonds, bent structure, and liquid at room temperature.

Trans Fat

Fat with double bonds in a different orientation, slightly bent, and soft solid.

Primary Structure of Proteins

The order of amino acids in a protein.

Secondary Structure of Proteins

Folding due to interactions between nearby amino acids.

Tertiary Structure of Proteins

Folding due to interactions between amino acids further apart.

Quaternary Structure of Proteins

Interactions between different polypeptide chains.

Enzymes

Proteins that catalyze reactions without being consumed.

Nucleotide Components

Consists of a phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; double-stranded and contains thymine.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid; single-stranded and contains uracil.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells with a nucleus and organelles, including plant, animal, fungi, and protists.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells without a nucleus or organelles, typically single-celled.

Endosymbiosis Theory

Proposes that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from engulfed bacteria.

Plasma Membrane

Phospholipid bilayer that selectively regulates the movement of substances.

Osmosis

Movement of water down its concentration gradient.

Hypertonic Solution

Solution with higher concentration of solutes outside the cell, causing water to leave.

Hypotonic Solution

Solution with lower concentration of solutes outside the cell, causing water to enter.

Isotonic Solution

Solution with equal concentration of solutes on both sides of the membrane.