Biochemical Molecules Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards to help students review key terms related to biochemical molecules.

Biochemical Molecules

Organic and inorganic compounds that are essential for life, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Inorganic Molecule

A molecule that does not contain both carbon and hydrogen; common examples include water (H2O) and salts.

Organic Molecule

A molecule that contains carbon; includes carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates

Organic molecules made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically with a hydrogen to oxygen ratio of 2:1.

Monosaccharides

The simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of a single sugar unit, e.g., glucose.

Disaccharides

Carbohydrates formed by the combination of two monosaccharides, such as sucrose, lactose, and maltose.

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates formed by long chains of monosaccharides; examples include starch and glycogen.

Lipids

A diverse group of organic compounds that are insoluble in water, including fats, oils, and phospholipids.

Proteins

Biological macromolecules composed of amino acids that perform various functions in the body, including structural, enzymatic, and transport roles.

Nucleic Acids

Biological macromolecules that store and transmit genetic information; DNA and RNA are two types.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak bond formed between the partial positive charge of hydrogen and a more electronegative atom like oxygen.

Hydrophilic

Substances that are attracted to water and thus dissolve in water.

Hydrophobic

Substances that repel water and do not dissolve in it.

Specific Heat Capacity

The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a substance by one degree Celsius.

Latent Heat of Vaporization

The amount of energy required for a substance to change from liquid to gas.

Surface Tension

The cohesive force at the surface of a liquid that allows it to resist an external force.

Electronegativity

A measure of the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons.

Peptide Bond

The chemical bond formed between two amino acids in a protein.

Monomer

A small basic molecular unit that can join together to form polymers.

Polymerization

The process of combining monomers to form a polymer.

Solvent

A substance that dissolves a solute, resulting in a solution.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in an organism.

Trace Elements

Minerals required by living organisms in minute quantities for various biological functions.

Macromolecules

Large complex molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.