Chap 2: Molecules of Life Flashcards
4 Major Organic Molecules
Carbohydrates
Proteins
Lipids
Nucleic Acids
an organic molecule…
contains carbon and is found in living things
dehydration molecule reaction:
builds molecules (removes water)
hydrolysis molecule reaction:
breaks molecules (adds water)
3 Types of Carbohydrates & Their Importance
- Monosaccharides (simple sugars, energy source)
- Disaccharides (two sugars, short-term energy)
- Polysaccharides (complex carbs, long-term storage)
monosaccharides
simple sugars, energy source
disaccharides
two sugars, short term energy
polysaccharides
complex carbs, long term energy
Why is Glycogen made of Glucose?
- Glucose = quick energy source
- Fructose & galactose aren’t used as easily
3 Polysaccharides & Functions
- Starch (plants): Energy storage
- Glycogen (animals): Energy storage
- Cellulose (plants): Structure (cell walls)
how do animals store glucose?
- Molecule: Glycogen
- Storage Locations: Liver & muscles
- Function: Energy reserve
what are 3 benefits of fiber?
Helps digestion
Lowers cholesterol
Controls blood sugar
why don’t lipids dissolve in water?
they are Hydrophobic (don’t mix with water)
what is a triglyceride made up of?
1 Glycerol + 3 Fatty Acids
What Makes a Fat vs. an Oil
Fats: Solid at room temp (saturated)
Oils: Liquid at room temp (unsaturated)
2 Types of Fatty Acids
- Saturated: No double bonds, solid
- Unsaturated: Has double bonds, liquid
what is a Phospholipid made up of and what is its function?
- 1 glycerol, 2 fatty acids, 1 phosphate group
- Makes up cell membranes
what is the structure of a steroid? (unique)
ring structure, instead of chains like fatty acids
what are the functions of protein?
Structure, enzymes, movement, transport, defense
what are the 3 parts of an amino acid?
Amino group, Carboxyl group, R group
what makes each amino acid different?
R group (side chain)
what do amino acids form?
protein
what are the 4 levels of protein structure?
Primary: Chain of amino acids
Secondary: Coiling/folding
Tertiary: 3D shape
Quaternary: Multiple proteins together
what are the 3 parts of nucleic acid?
sugar, phosphate, nitrogen base
2 types of nucleic acids:
DNA & RNA
DNA vs RNA
DNA: Double-stranded, has thymine (T)
RNA: Single-stranded, has uracil (U)
what is the backbone of DNA & RNA
sugar and phosphate
DNA bases:
Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G)
RNA bases:
Adenine (A), Uracil (U), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G)
complementary base pairing of DNA & RNA
A–T (DNA) or A–U (RNA),
C–G for both
what is the structure and function of ATP
Structure: Adenine + Ribose + 3 Phosphates
Function: Stores and releases energy
