2.1 - Molecules to Metabolism Flashcards
What are organic molecules?
Molecules or compounds containing carbon, although there are exceptions such as CO2 and carbonates (calcium carbonates). Another criteria for organic molecules are that they need to have C-H bonds.
What are the following elements needed for in organisms (sulfur, phosphorus, nitrogen, iron, sodium, carbon)?
sulfur: for amino acid side chains
phosphorus: DNA backbone
nitrogen: amino group of amino acids
iron: haemoglobin
sodium: nerve impulses
carbon: everything!! carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, proteins…
What are three examples of monosaccharides?
glucose, galactose and fructose
What is maltose composed of?
two GLUCOSE units
What is lactose composed of?
one GLUCOSE and one GALACTOSE
What is sucrose composed of?
one GLUCOSE and one FRUCTOSE
What is glycogen composed of?
many long chains of glucose units. Glycogen is found in liver and muscle cells and broken down when we need more glucose for glycolysis!
What are the three main functions of lipids?
energy storage, thermal insulation and to be buoyant
What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?
saturated: NO DOUBLE BONDS
unsaturated: DOUBLE BONDS PRESENT (polyunsaturated fatty acids have MANY!)
triglycerides contain a glycerol and three…
… fatty acids
What is a common feature of a steroid?
4 interlinked carbon rings like bathroom tiles
What is a phospholipid?
Main component in cell membranes and is composed of a PHOSPHATE, a GLYCEROL and two FATTY ACIDS where one is saturated and the other is unsaturated
In a condensation reaction, two separate molecules are joined together to form one big molecule and water is ELIMINATED.
glycerol + 3 fatty acids —> ______ + H2O?
triglyceride
amino acid 1 + amino acid 2 —> ______ + H2O?
dipeptide
What is the opposite of a condensation reaction?
Hydrolysis or the breakdown of one molecule into two, and REQUIRES water
