Chapter 3 - Biomolecules Flashcards
Building block of life
Carbon
Carbon-containing molecules are called
Organic compound
Organic compounds are also known as ________ due to their relatively large size as compared to inorganic compounds
Macromolecules
A chain of carbon atoms is called
Carbon skeleton
Carbon based molecules are often the result of smaller molecules called
Subunits
Each subunit of a complex molecule is called
Monomer
When monomers links together, they form complex molecules called
Polymers
A ______ is a macromolecule consisting of a series of monomers bonded together
Polymer
Connecting monomers to form polymers happens through a process called _________ which removes water
Dehydration reaction
Polymers are disassembled or broken down by the addition of water called
Hydrolysis reaction
Four types of organic compound
- Proteins
- Lipids
- Carbohydrates
- Nucleic Acids
Most abundant organic compounds in living organisms that is responsible for as much as 15% of the body’s dry weight
Proteins
Building blocks of proteins
Amino acids
A chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds
Peptide / Polypeptide
You body is capable of producing about __ amino acids to form proteins
12
Amino acids you cannot synthesize
Essential amino acids
Proteins form the structural parts of cells and tissues, such as keratin in hair and fingernail
Structural proteins
A fibrous protein found in connective tissues that support the skin, tendons, and ligaments
Collagen
Speed up chemical reactions without themselves being chemically changed at the end of the process they catalyze
Enzymes
Characteristics of enzymes
- Enzymes are highly specific
- An enzyme can catalyze only a specific chemical reaction
- Enzymes are required in minute amounts
- one molecule of catalase can catalyze the breakdown of 5 million molecules of hydrogen peroxide in one second
- Enzyme reactions are affected by temperature
- most enzymes are only active at body temperature and then are inactive in low temperature
- different enzymes have optimum working temperature
- Enzyme reactions are affected by pH
- amylase works best at pH 7 and become denatured or destroyed, at highly acidic or basic conditions
The presence of membrane proteins in the form of channel and carrier proteins in the plasma membrane aid cells to be selective in moving substances into and out of the cell
Transport proteins
Another type of protein that plays an important role in the body’s defense system against disease-causing foreign organisms and particles, like bacteria and viruses, is called antibody
Defense proteins
Produced by a specific type of white blood cells called B lymphocytes in response to the presence of a foreign substance in the body, which is referred to as antigen
Antibodies
Signal proteins that regulate body functions
Hormones
In the form of actin and myosin are found in cells to allow movement and cause muscle contraction
Contractile proteins
Serve as reserves of amino acids, which can be used later on to nourish the growth and development of organisms
Storage proteins
Organic compounds that serve as the main source of energy in all organisms
Carbohydrates
Simple sugars with only one sugar unit
Monosaccharides
