Biomolecules Lecture Notes

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts from the lecture on biomolecules, providing definitions for better understanding and retention.

Biochemistry

The branch of science that deals with the chemical composition and structure of living organisms, and the various chemical changes taking place within them.

Biomolecules

Complex organic molecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids required for the growth and maintenance of living organisms.

Carbohydrates

Naturally occurring organic compounds primarily produced by plants; include sugars and starches.

Monosaccharides

Simple carbohydrates that cannot be hydrolyzed into simpler units; examples include glucose, fructose, and ribose.

Disaccharides

Carbohydrates that yield two monosaccharide units upon hydrolysis; examples include sucrose and maltose.

Polysaccharides

Carbohydrates that yield a large number of monosaccharide units upon hydrolysis; examples include starch and cellulose.

Reducing sugar

Carbohydrates that can reduce Tollen's reagent or Fehling's solution, containing a free aldehyde or ketone group.

Non-reducing sugar

Carbohydrates that do not have a free aldehyde or ketone group; an example is sucrose.

Glycosidic linkage

A type of bond that connects two monosaccharides through an oxygen atom by the loss of a water molecule.

Amino acids

Organic compounds that contain both amino (-NH₂) and carboxyl (-COOH) functional groups, serving as the building blocks of proteins.

Essential amino acids

Amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet.

Peptide bond

A bond formed between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another, resulting in the formation of a peptide.

Hormones

Molecules that act as intercellular messengers, produced by endocrine glands and transported in the bloodstream to target organs.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, involved in the coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

Nucleotide

A basic building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a nitrogen base, a sugar (pentose), and a phosphate group.

Vitamin

Organic compounds required in small amounts in the diet for specific biological functions essential to health.

Zwitterion

A molecule that contains both positive and negative charges but is overall neutral; common in amino acids.