Molecules of Life Lecture 3

These flashcards cover important vocabulary related to the 'Molecules of Life', including definitions of key terms and concepts in biochemistry.

Hydrophilic

Molecules that are 'water-loving', polar compounds that readily dissolve in water.

Hydrophobic

Molecules that are 'water-fearing', non-polar compounds that do not easily mix or attract water.

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars that serve as energy molecules, such as glucose and fructose.

Disaccharides

Carbohydrates formed by two monosaccharides; examples include sucrose and lactose.

Polysaccharides

Carbohydrates made up of many monosaccharides; examples include starch and cellulose.

Lipids

Organic molecules that are hydrophobic; they include fats, oils, and waxes, and serve functions like energy storage and cell membrane structure.

Phospholipids

A type of lipid that forms the lipid bilayer of cell membranes, consisting of a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails.

Nucleic Acids

Biopolymers made of nucleotide monomers, used to store and transmit genetic information; examples include DNA and RNA.

ATP

Adenosine Triphosphate, a modified nucleic acid monomer used to store and move chemical energy.

Proteins

Polymers composed of amino acid monomers that serve various functional roles in organisms, including enzymes and structural components.

Lignin

A polymer of phenolics that provides rigidity and strength to plant cell walls, resisting degradation.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by reducing the activation energy required for reactions.

Saturated Fats

Fats that are solid at room temperature and are saturated with hydrogen atoms.

Unsaturated Fats

Fats that are liquid at room temperature, containing one or more double bonds between carbon atoms.

Phenolics

Organic compounds that can deter herbivores and have various flavors and medicinal properties.