Introductory Chemistry of Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Nucleic Acids

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and their nomenclature, aiding in the understanding and memorization of introductory chemistry in biology.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds composed mainly of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically in a 1:2:1 ratio.

Monosaccharides

The simplest sugars that cannot be broken down further; examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose.

Disaccharides

Formed when two monosaccharides join together; examples include sucrose, lactose, and maltose.

Polysaccharides

Long chains of sugar units such as starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

Lipids

A group of organic compounds insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents, essential for long-term energy storage.

Triglycerides

Made up of glycerol and three fatty acids; they are the main storage form of fat.

Phospholipids

Essential components of cell membranes.

Steroids

Include cholesterol and certain hormones important for body regulation.

Nucleic Acids

Complex biomolecules responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information, made up of nucleotides.

Nucleosides

Consist of a nitrogenous base attached to a pentose sugar without a phosphate group, named based on the base present.

Nucleotides

Formed when one or more phosphate groups are added to a nucleoside, named based on the base, number of phosphate groups, and type of sugar.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

A nucleotide formed from adenosine with three phosphate groups, critical for energy transfer.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

Type of nucleic acid that stores genetic information.

Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)

Type of nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis and regulation of cellular activities.