Amino Acids, Proteins, Nucleotides, and Nucleic Acids

Vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions and details regarding amino acids, proteins, nucleotides, and nucleic acids.

Amino Acids

Molecules built around a central alpha carbon atom forming 4 covalent bonds, serving as the building blocks of protein, and capable of being used as signal molecules or precursors for synthesis.

Protein

Linear polymers of amino acids that serve as building blocks for cellular structures, act as enzymes that catalyze various reactions, aid in immune response, and drive movement.

Nucleotides

Structures containing a 5 carbon sugar identified by the specific nitrogen-containing base covalently attached to the other side of the sugar ring.

Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP)

The molecule produced when 1 phosphate is removed from ATP during a hydrolysis reaction that breaks covalent bonds holding 3 phosphates together.

Nucleic Acids

Polymers of nucleotides.

DNA

Nucleic acid built by four deoxyribonucleotides, containing Adenosine, Thymine, Cytosine, and Guanosine.

RNA

Nucleic acid built from ribonucleotides, containing Adenosine, Ribose, Cytosine, and Guanosine.