Exam 2 Review for General College Biology I

Polymers

Large molecules formed from the combination of monomers.

Monomers

Small, basic molecular units that can join together to form polymers.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction that breaks down compounds by adding water.

Dehydration

A chemical reaction that combines monomers into polymers by removing water.

Lipids

Macromolecules that are not polymers and include fats, oils, and steroids.

Glycosidic Linkages

Bonds responsible for linking monosaccharides together.

Monosaccharides

The monomers of carbohydrates.

Polypeptides

The polymers of proteins.

Peptide Bonds

Bonds responsible for linking amino acids together.

Phosphodiester Linkage

The bond between nucleotides in nucleic acids.

Nucleic Acids

Biomolecules that include RNA and DNA.

Primary Structure of Protein

The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Tertiary Structure of Protein

Further folding of the polypeptide chain stabilized by interactions of side chains.

Secondary Structure of Protein

Folding of the polypeptide chain to form alpha helices and beta pleated sheets.

Hydrophilic

Describes a side group or R group on an amino acid that is charged.

Ester Linkages

Bonds responsible for linking fatty acids to the glycerol backbone.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that possess all single bonds.

Unsaturated Fats

Fats that possess at least one double bond.

Cholesterol

A type of lipid that is also classified as a steroid.

Cell Membranes

Major component of cells that lipids help to form.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

An organelle that synthesizes proteins secreted by the cell.

Chloroplast

The organelle responsible for photosynthesis.

Centrosome

A structure in animal cells where microtubules originate and aid in cell division.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures that synthesize proteins.

Mitochondria

Organelles that utilize cellular respiration to generate energy.

Nuclear Envelope

A membrane that surrounds the nucleus in eukaryotic cells.

Hydrophobic

Describes molecules that do not interact well with water.

Metabolic Compartments

Membrane-bound structures that specialize in specific biochemical processes.

Contractile vacuoles

Organelles that expel excess water from cells.

Transport vesicles

Membrane-bound carriers for molecules between organelles.

Lysosomes

Organelles containing digestive enzymes for waste breakdown.

Peroxisomes

Organelles that detoxify harmful substances in cells.

Extracellular matrix (ECM)

Network providing structural and biochemical support to cells.

Middle lamella

Layer of pectin between plant cell walls.

Proteoglycans

Molecules consisting of protein and glycosaminoglycan chains.

Integrins

Proteins facilitating cell-ECM adhesion and signaling.

Collagen

Structural protein providing strength to tissues.

Cytoskeleton

Network of fibers providing structural support to cells.

Kinesin

Motor protein transporting vesicles along microtubules.

Dynein

Motor protein involved in vesicle transport and cilia movement.

Cell wall

Rigid outer layer providing protection and structure to cells.

Plasmodesmata

Channels connecting cytoplasm of adjacent plant cells.

Tight junctions

Connections forming water-tight seals between cells.

Desmosomes

Anchoring junctions providing mechanical stability to tissues.

Intermediate filaments

Cytoskeletal components providing tensile strength.

Microfilaments

Thin filaments involved in cell movement and shape.

Microtubules

Hollow tubes aiding in cell shape and transport.

Phospholipid

Molecule forming the basic structure of cell membranes.

Transmembrane proteins

Proteins extending across the plasma membrane.

Peripheral proteins

Proteins attached to the membrane surface, not embedded.

Selectively permeable

Property allowing specific substances to cross membranes.

Diffusion

Movement of molecules from high to low concentration.

Osmosis

Diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Facilitated transport

Process using proteins to move substances across membranes.

Hypertonic solution

Solution with higher solute concentration than inside cell.

Isotonic solution

Solution with equal solute concentration to cell interior.

Hypotonic solution

Solution with lower solute concentration than inside cell.

Surface-area-to-volume ratio

Critical for efficient material exchange in cells.