Biological Macromolecules and Cell Structure

Flashcards covering key concepts in biological macromolecules and cell structure.

What is a polysaccharide?

A complex carbohydrate composed of long chains of monosaccharides.

Amino Acid

The monomer building blocks of proteins, there are 20 types found in proteins.

Nucleotide

The monomer units that make up nucleic acids (DNA and RNA).

Dehydration/Condensation Reaction

A reaction that removes water to form a covalent bond between monomers to create a polymer.

Enzyme

A protein that catalyzes a chemical reaction to increase its rate.

Cellulose

A polysaccharide that forms the cell wall in plants and is indigestible by humans.

Hydrophobic

Repelling water; nonpolar molecules that do not mix with water.

Phospholipid

A lipid containing a phosphate group, forming the cell membrane bilayer.

Selective Permeability

The property of cell membranes that allows certain substances to pass while preventing others.

Active Transport

The movement of molecules against a concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP).

Fluid Mosaic Model

The model that describes the structure of cell membranes as a flexible bilayer of phospholipids with embedded proteins.

Isotonic Solution

A solution where solute concentration is equal inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net water movement.

Facilitated Diffusion

Passive transport of molecules across a cell membrane via protein channels.

Endomembrane System

A series of membrane-bound organelles in eukaryotic cells that work together to modify, package, and transport lipids and proteins.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouse of the cell, where energy production occurs.

Golgi Body

A membrane-bound organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion.

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like fluid within a cell, excluding the nucleus, where organelles are suspended.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen; an example of a protein with quaternary structure.

Prokaryotic Cell

A simple, unicellular organism lacking a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic Cell

A complex cell with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.