2.1 Molecules to Metabolism Flashcards
Define molecular biology
A field of study that investigates biological activity on a molecular level
Define an organic compound
Contains carbon and is in living things
except carbides, carbonate, oxides of carbon and cyanides
What is the common ratio for carbohydrates?
(CH2O)n
Which is the most abundant hydrocarbon?
Carbohydrates
What are the functions of carbohydrates?
Short-term energy storage
Important recognition molecules
As a structural components (DNA/RNA)
What are properties of lipids?
Non-polar
Hydrophobic
Why are lipids good for storage of energy?
They are hydrophobic and thus do not absorb water
What are the functions of lipids?
Part of a cell membrane
Long-term storage molecule
Signalling molecule (steroids)
What are the building blocks for DNA and RNA?
Nucleic acids
What is the function of DNA?
A master code for protein assembly
What is the function of RNA?
Plays an active role in the manufacturing of proteins
What are the functions of proteins?
Involved in catalysis
Structural molecules
Cellular signalling
What is the polymer of lipids?
Triglyceride
What is the monomer of lipids?
Fatty acids
What is the monomer of carbohydrates?
Monosaccharide
What are the 2 main types of sugars?
Pentose and Hexose
What type of sugar is glucose?
Hexose
What type of sugar is ribose?
Pentose
Name 2 types of glucose?
a - D glucose
B - D glucose
Describe the structure of an a - D glucose
The 1 C has an OH facing downwards (all OH face down)