The Chemistry of Life

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering the key concepts in the chemistry of life, including macromolecules, their structures, functions, and biochemical reactions.

What are the four major types of biological macromolecules?

Proteins, Lipids, Carbohydrates, Nucleic Acids.

What is the primary function of fats?

Storage of energy, insulation, and protection.

What are the two types of fatty acid molecules?

Fatty acids and Glycerol.

What distinguishes saturated fatty acids from unsaturated fatty acids?

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms while unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds.

How do trans fats affect health?

They increase LDL (bad cholesterol) and decrease HDL (good cholesterol).

What process joins fatty acids to glycerol to form triglycerides?

Dehydration synthesis.

What is hydrolysis in the context of lipids?

Hydrolysis adds water to break a molecule apart.

What are phospholipids composed of?

Two fatty acids, a glycerol molecule, and a polar group.

What is the main function of cholesterol in the body?

Gives structure to cell membranes and is a precursor for steroid hormones.

What monosaccharide is a component of RNA?

Ribose.

What is the difference between aldoses and ketoses?

Aldoses have a carbonyl group at the end of the molecule, while ketoses have it within the carbon chain.

What type of bond links monosaccharides to form disaccharides?

Glycosidic bonds formed via dehydration synthesis.

What is lactose intolerance?

The inability to properly digest lactose, leading to cramps, bloating, and diarrhea.

How do starch and glycogen differ in structure?

Glycogen has more frequent branching due to α-1,6 bonds compared to starch.

What is cellulose composed of?

Repeating units of β-1-4 bonds between glucose molecules.

Which type of cells contain cell wall composed of peptidoglycan?

Bacterial cells.

What are the three components of nucleotides?

Nitrogenous base, a five-carbon sugar (ribose or deoxyribose), and a phosphate group.

What is the function of the nucleolus?

It is involved in the production of ribosomal RNA (rRNA).

What are the two strands of DNA held together by?

Hydrogen bonds between complementary nitrogenous bases.

What distinguishes RNA from DNA?

RNA contains uracil instead of thymine, and RNA is usually single-stranded while DNA is double-stranded.

What is the purpose of the plasma membrane?

It serves as a barrier that regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

What allows eukaryotic cells to operate with diverse environments inside the cell?

Compartmentalization of cellular processes.