Biology Pointers: Basic Concepts and Organic Compounds

Vocabulary flashcards covering the introductory concepts of biology and major classes of organic compounds including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and vitamins.

Biology

The area of science dealing with living things, encompassing biological concepts, process skills, technology, and attitudes and values for addressing societal needs and problems.

Biotechnology

A field of scientific research that emerged from the development of techniques in genetic engineering and an increased understanding of the molecular basis of cellular processes.

Organic Compounds

Chemical compounds characterized by the presence of carbon.

Carbohydrates

Molecules made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms with the general formula $C_n H_{2n} O_n$, functioning predominantly as energy molecules or energy reserves in living organisms.

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars, such as glucose and fructose, that can easily pass across cell membranes.

Cellulose

A carbohydrate that gives strength and protection to plant cells.

Lipids

Macromolecules such as fats, oils, and waxes made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, formed from building blocks of fatty acids and glycerol.

Oils

Lipids that are liquid at room temperature.

Waxes

Lipids that serve as protective body coverings to organisms, making plant and animal tissues water-resistant.

Proteins

Molecules made up of repeating units of amino acids that compose muscles and tissues, and function as enzymes controlling the rate of chemical reactions in cells.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as catalysts by increasing or speeding up chemical reactions, which are specific in their actions and not consumed in the reaction.

Nucleic Acids

Carriers of hereditary information in living organisms that control what an organism looks like and what it can do.

Vitamins

Organic substances essential to life and needed in very small amounts for body growth, activity, and disease prevention, but not required as energy sources; mostly sourced from plants and bacteria.