Chapter 3.1: The Molecules of Life

organic compounds

a chemical compound containing carbon and usually synthesized by cells

functional groups

the atoms that forms the chemically reactive part of an organic molecule

polymers

a large molecule consisting of many identical or similar molecular units, called monomers, covalently joined together in a chain

monomers

a chemical subunit that serves as a building block of a polymer

dehydration synthesis (condensation)

a chemical reaction that removes a molecule of water

hydrolysis

a chemical process in which macromolecules are broken down by the chemical addition of water molecules to the bonds linking their monomers; an esential part of digestion; the opposite of dehydration synthesis (adding water)

enzyme

a protein that serves as a biological catalyst, changing the rate of a chemical reaction without itself being changed in the process

alcohols

Organic compound having one or more hydroxyl groups e.g., ethanol

metabolism

All the enzyme-mediated chemical reactions by which cells acquire and use energy as they construct, remodel, and break down organic molecules.

hydroxyl (-OH)

In alcohols (e.g., sugars, amino acids); water soluble

methyl

In fatty acid chains; insoluble in water (carbon and hydrogen)

carboxyl (-COOH)

In sugars, amino acids, nucleotides; water soluble. An aldehyde if at end of a carbon backbone; a ketone if attached to an interior carbon of backbone

carbonyl (-C=O)

In amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates; water soluble. Highly polar; acts as an acid (releases H+)

amino

In amino acids and certain nucleotide bases; water soluble, acts as a weak base (accepts H+, contains nitrogen and hydrogen)

phosphate (PO4)

In nucleotides (e.g., ATP), also in DNA, RNA, many proteins, phospholipids; water soluble, acidic