Bio 101 Chapter 3 The Chemistry of Organic Molecules

Organic Molecules

Molecules made mainly from carbon and hydrogen, but can include other elements.

Carbon

Element that can form four bonds, allowing it to bond with multiple atoms and forming the basis for all biological molecules.

Hydrocarbons

Molecules consisting only of carbon and hydrogen.

Isomers

Compounds with the same number of atoms of the same elements but different structures.

Saturated Fats

Fatty acids that are saturated with hydrogen; no double bonds.

Unsaturated Fats

Fatty acids that contain one or more double bonds.

Polymers

Long molecules made up of similar or identical monomer subunits.

Condensation Reaction

A reaction in which two molecules are covalently bonded with the loss of a small molecule, typically water.

Glycosidic Linkage

A covalent bond formed between two monosaccharides.

Chitin

Structural polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of arthropods.

Nucleotides

Building blocks of nucleic acids, composed of a sugar, a nitrogenous base, and phosphate groups.

Polypeptide

A polymer of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.

Denaturation

The process in which proteins lose their shape due to environmental factors.

Primary Structure

The linear sequence of amino acids in a protein.

Gene Expression

The process by which DNA directs the synthesis of RNA and proteins.

Functional Groups

Specific groups of atoms within molecules that determine the molecular properties.

Condensation Reaction

A reaction that forms new compounds by combining smaller molecules with the loss of a water molecule.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the primary energy carrier in cells.