Organic Chemistry Flashcards
Which element is associated with organic chemistry?
Carbon
Carbon backbone
A ring (5 or 6) or chain of carbon atoms that make up the base of a more complex structure
Monomer
A single subunit – often a carbon ring
Polymer
A structure made up of multiple monomers; a macromolecule
Macromolecule
A structure made up of one or more monomers; some are polymers, but not all
How many covalent bonds can carbon form?
4
What are carbohydrates made of?
Sugars and starches
What do lipids make up?
Fats and oils
What are proteins made of?
Amino acids
What is the primary structure of a protein?
A long polypeptide chain of amino acid monomers
What is the secondary structure of a protein?
A coiled or folded polypeptide chain in the shape of a coiled alpha helix or pleated beta sheet
What is the tertiary structure of a protein?
A protein whose similar amino acids (R-groups) have bonded, creating a 3D shape with many sheets and helices
What is the quaternary structure of a protein?
Only in some proteins – the quaternary structure is multiple tertiary proteins joined together to create a larger and more complex protein
Enzyme
A protein whose function depends on its shape
Denaturing
Occurs in harsh conditions – when a protein’s bonds break, unraveling its shape and causing it to lose its function
