Biological Molecules Flashcards

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1
Q

Monomer

A

one of many small molecules that combine to form a polymer

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2
Q

Polymer

A

large molecule made from many similar repeating units

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3
Q

Macromolecule

A

large molecule formed due to polymerisation of monomers

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4
Q

Examples of monomers

A
  • monosaccharides
  • amino acids
  • nucleotides
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5
Q

Examples of polymers

A
  • polysaccharides
  • proteins
  • nucleic acids
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6
Q

Condensation reaction

A

a chemical reaction where two molecules join together by the removal of a water molecule

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7
Q

Hydrolysis

A

a chemical reaction where a chemical bond is broken by the addition of a water molecule

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8
Q

Types of monosaccharides

A
  • Pentose ( 5C )
  • Hexose ( 6C )
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9
Q

Glycosidic bond

A

a C-O-C link between two molecules formed by a condensation reaction

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10
Q

What are the differences between DNA and RNA?

A

DNA contains the sugar deoxyribose and is double-stranded with bases adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine. RNA contains the sugar ribose, is single-stranded, and has uracil instead of thymine.

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11
Q

What is ATP and its role in the cell?

A

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy carrier in cells. It releases energy when its phosphate bonds are hydrolyzed.

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12
Q

Function of monosaccharides

A

Energy source and building blocks for other carbohydrates.

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13
Q

Function of disaccharides

A

Energy source

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14
Q

Function of polysaccharides

A
  • Energy storage (starch, glycogen)
  • structural support (cellulose).
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15
Q

Function of lipids

A
  • Energy storage
  • insulation
  • protection.
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16
Q

Structure of phospholipid

A

Glycerol + 2 fatty acids + phosphate group.

17
Q

Function of phospholipid bilayer

A

Major component of cell membranes (phospholipid bilayer).

18
Q

Saturated fats

A

No double bonds, solid at room temperature.

19
Q

Unsaturated fats

A

One or more double bonds, liquid at room temperature.

20
Q

Function of amino acids

A

Building blocks of proteins.

21
Q

Structure of amino acids

A

Central carbon, amino group, carboxyl group, R group (side chain).

22
Q

Levels of Protein Structure

A
  • primary
  • secondary
  • tertiary
  • quatenary
23
Q

Primary structure

A

each amino acid is linked to the next though peptide bonds to form a polypeptide chain

24
Q

Tertiary structure

A

the polypeptide chain coils furthermore to form a globular shape held together by

24
Q

Secondary structure

A

1 polypeptide chain coils into a 3D shape which is held in shape by hydrogen bonds
-> α-helix
-> β-pleated sheets

25
Q

Quaternary structure

A
26
Q

Adhesion

A

Water molecules stick to other surfaces.

26
Q

Properties of Water

A
  • Cohesion
  • Adhesion
  • High Specific Heat
  • High Heat of Vaporization
  • Solvent Properties
27
Q

Cohesion

A

Water molecules stick together.

28
Q

High Specific Heat

A

Stabilises temperature.

29
Q

High Heat of Vaporisation

A

Cooling mechanism.

30
Q

Solvent Properties

A

Dissolves many substances, important for biochemical reactions.

31
Q

Role of Water in Living Organisms

A
  • Transport
  • Temperature Regulation
  • Metabolic Reactions
32
Q

Transport

A

medium for transporting substances

33
Q

Temperature regulation

A

helps maintain stable body temperature

34
Q

Metabolic reactions

A

Participates in hydrolysis and condensation reactions.