Introduction to Biomolecules, Cell Structure, Water & Spontaneity

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering biomolecules, cell structure, water roles, and basic biochemistry concepts from the notes.

Biomolecule or macromolecule

A large organic molecule that forms the basis of life, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Biomolecule or mcromolecule

A very large molecule built from repeating monomer units; examples include proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides.

Monomer

A single subunit that can join with others to form a polymer.

Polymer

A large molecule composed of repeated monomer units.

Carbohydrates

Biomolecules made of monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds; functions include energy storage and structure.

Monosaccharide

A simple sugar; the building block of carbohydrates.

Disaccharide

A carbohydrate formed from two monosaccharides linked by a glycosidic bond.

Glycosidic Bond

Bond connecting monosaccharide units in carbohydrates.

Polysaccharide

Polymer of monosaccharides; used for energy storage (e.g., glycogen) or structure.

Proteins

Macromolecules made of amino acids; serve as enzymes, signals, receptors, and structural components.

Amino Acid

Building block of proteins; there are 20 standard amino acids.

Peptide Bond

Bond linking amino acids in a protein.

Hemoglobin

A protein that transports oxygen in the blood.

Lipids

Nonpolar biomolecules (fats/oils) used for energy storage and membrane structure; largely hydrophobic.

Phospholipid

A lipid with a phosphate group; amphipathic and a primary component of cell membranes.

Lipid Bilayer

Double layer of phospholipids forming the fundamental structure of cellular membranes.

Nucleic Acids

Biopolymers (DNA and RNA) that store and transmit genetic information.

Nucleotide

Building block of nucleic acids; composed of a nitrogenous base, a five-carbon sugar, and a phosphate.

Nitrogenous Base

Purines and pyrimidines (A, G, C, T/U) that pair in nucleic acids.

5' to 3' Ends

Directionality of nucleic acid polymerization; synthesis proceeds from the 5' end to the 3' end.

Central Dogma

The flow of genetic information: DNA -> RNA -> protein.

Intermolecular Forces (IMFs)

Weak forces between molecules that influence properties like boiling/melting points and solubility.

Van der Waals Forces

IMFs including dipole-dipole and London dispersion forces; important in nonpolar regions.

Hydrogen Bond

A strong dipole interaction involving H attached to N, O, or F; significant in biomolecules.

Ion-Dipole Interaction

Attraction between ions and polar molecules; contributes to solvation and stability.

Hydrophobic Interaction

Aggregation of nonpolar molecules in water to minimize contact with water.

Amphipathic

Molecules with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.

Micelle

Spherical assembly of amphipathic molecules in water with hydrophobic tails inward and heads outward.

Water

Solvent essential to life; highly polar and capable of extensive hydrogen bonding; regulates temperature and participates in reactions.

Hydrophilic

Water-loving; substances that dissolve readily in water.

Hydrophobic

Water-fearing; substances that do not dissolve in water.

Biochemical Reactions Types

Group transfer, oxidation-reduction, rearrangements, cleavage, and condensation.

Group Transfer

Move a group of atoms from one molecule to another (e.g., phosphorylation).

Oxidation-Reduction (Redox)

Change in oxidation state; oxidation loses H or gains O, reduction gains H or loses O.

Glycolysis

Metabolic pathway that splits glucose (6-carbon) into two three-carbon molecules.

Prokaryotic Cell

Older, smaller, simple cell type lacking a defined nucleus and most organelles.

Eukaryotic Cell

Larger, more complex cell type with a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Ribosome

Ribonucleoprotein complex that synthesizes proteins.

Nucleus

Organelle containing the genome; site of DNA replication and transcription.

Mitochondrion

Organelle producing most of the cell's ATP via oxidative phosphorylation.

Chloroplast

Organelle where photosynthesis occurs in plants and some algae.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Organelle for protein and lipid synthesis; rough ER has ribosomes, smooth ER does not.

Golgi Apparatus

Organelle that packages and processes macromolecules for secretion or delivery.

Lysosome

Vesicular organelle that digests cellular and extracellular materials.

Proteasome

Protein complex that degrades ubiquitinated proteins.

Peroxisome

Organelle that oxidizes nutrients and decomposes hydrogen peroxide.

Ubiquitination

Attachment of ubiquitin to a protein to signal degradation by the proteasome.

Vacuole

Storage and transport organelle; large in plants and fungi.

Tonoplast

Membrane surrounding the vacuole in plant cells.

Cell Wall

Rigid layer outside the plasma membrane in plants and some bacteria; provides support and protection.