M4 - Biomolecules Flashcards
What are biomolecules?
Biomolecules are the molecules of life that make up all biological systems.
What are the main elements in biomolecules?
The main elements are Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Sulfur (CHONPS).
What is a monomer?
A monomer is a small molecule that forms the basic unit of larger molecules called polymers or biomolecules.
What are carbohydrates made of?
They are made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
What are the main functions of carbohydrates?
They function as structural materials for cells and as an energy source.
What are the monomers of carbohydrates?
Monosaccharides and disaccharides.
What is an oligosaccharide and a polysaccharide?
Oligosaccharides: 3 to 10 molecules. Polysaccharides: more than 10 molecules.
Examples of monosaccharides:
Glucose, galactose, fructose, ribose.
Examples of disaccharides:
Lactose, sucrose (table sugar).
Example of oligosaccharide:
Raffinose.
Examples of polysaccharides:
Cellulose, starch, glycogen.
6 sources of carbohydrates in food:
Pasta, fruit, bread, chocolate with sugar, sweet bread, fried potatoes.
What are lipids?
Fatty organic compounds in the form of oil or wax.
What does it mean that lipids are hydrophobic?
They repel water.
What are lipids made of?
Mainly carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and sometimes phosphorus.
What structure do fatty acids have?
They have a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail.
What is a triglyceride?
It is a lipid made up of long carbon chains called fatty acids.
Functions of lipids in the body:
a) Provide structure for cells
b) Energy reservoir
c) Electrical signaling
What is a saturated fat
Solid at room temperature, with single bonds. Example: butter, egg yolks.
What is an Unsaturated fat
Unsaturated: Liquid at room temperature, with double bonds. Example: olive oil, salmon.
Differences between saturated and unsaturated fats:
- Saturated: Solid at room temperature, with single bonds. Example: butter, egg yolks.
- Unsaturated: Liquid at room temperature, with double bonds. Example: olive oil, salmon.
What are proteins made of?
CHONPS, sometimes Fe (Iron) and Mg (Magnesium).
What are amino acids?
The monomers of proteins.
Main functions of proteins:
- Structural
- Hormonal
- Immunological
- Transport
- Movement
- Enzymatic function
- Sensitivity
- Perception
How many amino acids exist?
There are 20 different amino acids.
What is a peptide bond?
A chemical bond that links amino acids in a chain.
Structural classification of proteins:
- Primary structure: Linear series of amino acids.
- Secondary structure: Interactions that cause rotation and twisting.
- Tertiary structure: Formation of folds called domains.
- Quaternary structure: Two or more polypeptide chains linked together.
6 sources of protein in food:
Meat, eggs, legumes, white cheese, dried seeds, dark green vegetables.
What are nucleic acids?
Biomolecules discovered in the nucleus of cells. There are two types: DNA and RNA.
What is the difference between DNA and RNA?
DNA has two strands (double helix), while RNA has only one strand.
What is the monomer of nucleic acids?
Nucleotides.
Functions of nucleotides:
They carry genetic information, act as energy carriers, assist enzymes, and serve as chemical messengers.
