Biomolecules Flashcards
What is an atom?
The smallest unit of matter.
It’s composed of neutrons (neutral), protons (positive), and electrons (negative).
What is a molecule?
Atom bonds with other atoms.
Name the 3 types of molecules and their characteristics.
Polar- neither positive or negative on one side, hydrophilic.
Non polar- positive or negative poles, hydrophobic.
Amphipathic- special case with a hydrophilic and hydrophobic part.
What is the function of carbohydrates?
Energy source, structural component, store food.
What is the monomer of carbohydrates?
Monosaccharides.
Examples of carbohydrates and elements
Starch, cellulose.
C, H, O.
Name the functions of proteins
Enzyme, structure movement, defense hormones, builds, maintains and replaces the tissues in your body.
Examples and elements of proteins
Insulin, collagen, eggs, meat and milk.
C, H, O, N, S.
What are the functions of nucleic acids
They store genetic information.
What are the monomers of proteins?
Amino acids.
Examples and elements of nucleic acids.
DNA and RNA.
C, H, O, N, P.
What are the monomers of nucleic acids.
Nucleotides.
Name the functions of lipids.
Energy source, insulation, membrane components, hormones.
It’s part of the cell membrane.
Examples and elements of lipids.
Fats, oils, waxes.
C, H, O.
What are the monomers of lipids?
Fatty acids.
What are the nucleotide components?
Nitrogenous base: cytosine, adenine, guanine, thiamine or uracil
Sugar molecule: (either ribose in RNA or deoxyribose in DNA)
And a phosphate group.
Which are the 3 types or RNA?
mRNA: messenger, it transfers genetic materials to ribosomes and passing on the instructions for the type of proteins needed in the body.
rRNA: ribosomal, it’s part of the ribosome.
tRNA: transfer, it’s responsible for choosing the correct protein or amino acids needed in the body. It also forms a link between the messenger RNA and the production of new proteins.
What is the difference between transcription and translation?
Transcription is when a piece of DNA is copied into mRNA.
Translation is when mRNA binds to and passes through the ribosomes that are formed by the rRNA. Then the tRNA translates the amino acids to form a protein polymer. When a new protein is completed, it is released from the ribosome.
What are genes?
Genes function as instructions for the formation of proteins.
