Major Organic Compounds

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing the elements, functions, monomers, polymers, and specific examples of the four major organic compound groups: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds composed of C, H, and O in a 1:2:1 ratio whose general functions are readily available energy and a few structural roles.

Monosaccharides

The monomers of carbohydrates, with examples including glucose, galactose, and fructose.

Disaccharides

Carbohydrate polymers formed from monosaccharides, with examples including sucrose and lactose.

Polysaccharides

Large carbohydrate polymers, with examples including starch, chitin, and cellulose.

Glucose

A monosaccharide with the chemical formula $C_6H_{12}O_6$ that is needed by the cell to make energy ($ATP$).

Chitin

A polysaccharide that forms the structure of fungal cell walls.

Cellulose

A structural polysaccharide that makes up plant and algae cell walls.

Starch

A polysaccharide used for the temporary storage of energy in plants.

Glycogen

A polysaccharide used for the temporary storage of energy for animals.

Lipids

Organic compounds composed of C, H, and O not in a 1:2:1 ratio, functioning in stored energy, insulation, padding, and preventing $H_2O$ loss.

Fatty acids and glycerol

The subunits that usually make up lipids.

Saturated fats

Fats that contain no double bonds and have the maximum number of H atoms.

Polyunsaturated fats

Fats that contain some double bonds.

Phospholipids

Lipids that form plasma membranes.

Steroids

Lipids that function as chemical messengers.

Proteins

Organic compounds composed of C, H, O, and N that function structurally and as enzymes, hormones, and transporters.

Amino acids

The monomers of proteins; there are 20 different types that form chains creating thousands of different protein shapes and functions.

Hemoglobin

A protein that transports $O_2$.

Insulin

A protein hormone that regulates the uptake of glucose by cells.

Collagen

A structural protein that forms tough tissue.

Nucleic Acids

Organic compounds composed of C, H, O, N, and P that serve as genetic material (instructions) and assist in carrying out those instructions.

Nucleotides

The monomers that link together to form nucleic acid polymers like DNA and RNA.

DNA

A nucleic acid polymer that provides genetic codes and functions as the "instructions for life".

RNA

A nucleic acid polymer that helps carry out DNA instructions.