Building Blocks of Biology Flashcards
What is a carbohydrate?
A molecule that contains carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
4 types of saccharide
1= monosaccharide
2=disaccharide
3-10=oligosaccharide
>10= polysaccharide
Functions of monosaccharides
Cellular energy
Build nucleic acids
Chemical formula of most monosaccharides
(CH2O)n
n = 3,5 or 6
What is a structural isomer?
Same chemical formula but atoms arranged differently
What are the monosaccharides and where are they found?
Glucose- fruit and veg
Fructose- highest concn in carrots
Galactose- dairy products, avocados
What is a condensation reaction?
Chemical reaction where we lose water
Disaccharides are formed when 2 monosaccharides are bonded together (glycosidic bond between 2 hydroxyl groups)
What are all the disaccharides?
Maltose= glucose + glucose
Sucrose= Glucose + fructose
Lactose = Glucose + galactose
What is a lipid?
Fatty, waxy or oily in composition and mostly insoluble in water
What are the functions of lipids?
Protection/ insulation
Neuron myelination
Absorption of fat soluble vitamins (A,D,E,K)
Hormone production
Cell membranes
What is a fatty acid?
These are organic chains with a carboxyl group
3 types of lipid
Triglycerides
Phospholipids
Sterols
What is a triglyceride?
Glycerol with 3 bonded fatty acids (carboxyl to hydroxyl) - body fat
Difference between saturated and unsaturated?
Saturated all C-C bonds
Unsaturated may contain C=C
Double bonds can be cis (attached to same side) or trans (opposite side) geometry
What is a phospholipid?
Has a glycerol with 2 fatty acid chains and a phosphate head
What is the difference between hydrophobic and hydrophilic?
Hydrophobic is against water
Hydrophilic is attracted to water
What is a sterol?
Cyclic organic compounds found in grains, nuts, fruits and veg
What is the function of cholesterol?
Synthesis of e.g. vit D, bile, sex hormones
Cell membrane structure
Known for role in heart disease
What is the function of proteinogenic amino acids and how many are there?
Vital in the formation enzymes, antibodies, hormones, structural proteins and receptors
20 are coded for by DNA
What is a protein?
Made up of a long chain of amino acids joined by peptide bonds
How are proteins written?
From the N to the C terminus
What is the primary structure?
The amino acid sequence, from N- to C- terminus
What is the secondary structure?
Local structural features
What is an alpha helix?
Formed between carboxyl and amine groups
Each C=O forms a hydrogen bond with the amide hydrogen
What is a beta pleated sheet?
The backbone is able to form hydrogen bonds between each segment as the angular conformation of the peptide causes a zig zag.
Can be parallel or antiparallel
What is the tertiary structure?
Long amino acid chain folds itself - 3D
Multiple bonds and interactions
What is the quaternary structure?
A protein made up of a number of subunits e.g. haemoglobin
Arrangement due to intermolecular forces
What are the covalent and non covalent interactions that can occur in protein structure?
Electrostatic interaction
Pi Pi stacking - favourable
Hydrophobic
Hydrogen bonding
Disulfide bridges - cystine
