Macromolecules and Cell Structure

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to macromolecules, cell structures, and biochemical processes, which will aid in exam preparation.

Macromolecules

Large, complex organic molecules that include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Covalent bonds

Strong connections formed when two atoms share electrons, allowing carbon to bond with four other atoms.

Isomers

Compounds with the same chemical formula but different structures.

Monomer

A small molecule that can join together with other small molecules to form a polymer.

Polymer

A large molecule made of many repeating small molecules (monomers).

Dehydration reaction

A reaction that forms bonds by removing a water molecule.

Hydrolysis reaction

A reaction that breaks bonds by adding a water molecule.

Peptide bond

The bond formed between amino acids in a protein.

Glycosidic bond

The bond formed between two monosaccharides.

Saturated fatty acid

A fatty acid with no double bonds between carbon atoms.

Unsaturated fatty acid

A fatty acid with one or more double bonds.

Phospholipid

A lipid made up of 1 glycerol, 2 fatty acids, and a phosphate group; makes up cell membranes.

Hydrophilic

Having a strong affinity for water; usually pertains to the heads of phospholipids.

Hydrophobic

Having a strong aversion to water; refers to the tails of phospholipids.

Denaturation

The process where a protein's shape comes undone, affecting its function.

Nucleotide

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

Proteome

The complete set of proteins expressed by a cell, determining its structure and function.

Magnification

The ability of a microscope to enlarge an image.

Resolution

The ability to distinguish two objects as separate and distinct.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein filaments that helps the cell maintain its shape and aids in movement.

Exocytosis

The process by which cells release materials to the outside by fusing vesicles with the plasma membrane.

Endocytosis

The process by which the plasma membrane folds inward to bring materials into the cell.

Thermodynamics

The study of energy transformation.

Entropy

A measure of disorder or randomness in a system.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

A molecule that carries energy within cells.

Exergonic reaction

A reaction that releases energy and is spontaneous.

Endergonic reaction

A reaction that requires energy input and is not spontaneous.