Biomolecules Flashcards
What is the general structure of a sugar
(CH2O)n
What is the main function of a sugar within the body
To provide a source of energy
When sugars are joined together, what do they form
Carbohydrates
What is triacyl glycerol
The storage form of fatty acids
What are the tails of phospholipids made up of
Fatty acids
What are the components of a steroid
4 fused carbon rings + a side chain with functional groups
What are the 3 common groups within an amino acid
Amino group, carboxyl group and a hydrogen
Uses of amino acids
Sources of energy, neurotransmitters, precursors for other molecules
What is a nucleotide made up of
Nitrogen ring attached to a 5 carbon sugar
What’s the difference between ribose and deoxyribose
Ribose contains a hydroxide group and deoxyribose doesn’t
Uses of nucleotides
Short term energy store (ATP and GTP)
Store of electrons
Cofactors for enzymes (not proteins)
Signalling molecules
Building blocks for nuclei acid (DNA or RNA)
Structure of a protein determines the…
Immune response
How do viruses attach to human cells
The are coated with glycoproteins
What can an error in protein folding cause?
Diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s
