Compounds of Life Notes

A biological molecule is a large organic molecule found in any living organism.
Biological molecules determine the structure and function of various body parts.

A protein is a biological polymer constructed from amino acid monomers.
An amino acid is a carbon compound that contains two functional groups: amino and carboxyl.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. A polypeptide is a longer, continuous, unbranched peptide chain.

Carbohydrates are a group of organic molecules including sugars, starches, and cellulose.
They are natural polymers containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.
Carbohydrates serve as a source of energy in cells.

A nucleic acid is a biological polymer that stores and transmits genetic information.
Genetic information provides instructions for cells on how to make proteins, produce new cells, and transfer genetic information.
This information determines an organism's traits and bodily functions.

RNA stands for ribonucleic acid.
RNA is typically single-stranded, unlike the double-stranded DNA.
DNA provides information to make RNA, which then makes the proteins a cell needs to function.

A lipid is a type of biological molecule that includes fats, oils, hormones, waxes, and components of cellular membranes.
Lipids have two major functions in living organisms:
- Storing energy.
- Making up cellular membranes.
Another function of lipids is to control what enters and leaves individual cells.
These lipids are called phospholipids because they contain a phosphate functional group in their structure.
Phospholipids form the cell membrane around individual cells.