Biological Molecules Overview

Large molecules composed of thousands of covalently connected atoms.

A long molecule consisting of many similar building blocks.

The repeating building blocks that make up polymers.

A chemical reaction that forms a polymer by removing a water molecule from two monomers.

A chemical reaction that breaks down a polymer by adding a water molecule.

Simple sugars that serve as monomers for carbohydrates. Examples include glucose and fructose.

Polymers of carbohydrates made up of more than two monosaccharides.

The simplest level of protein structure. It's a linear sequence of amino acids held together by peptide bonds.

The folding or coiling of the polypeptide chain into a repeating configuration due to hydrogen bonds.

Overall three-dimensional shape of a polypeptide. It's formed by interactions between the side chains of amino acids.

Overall protein structure that arises from the aggregation of two or more polypeptide chains (tertiary subunits).

A protein's specific shape determines its function.

A structural polysaccharide made up of repeating N-acetylglucosamine units.

A type of monomer that forms the building blocks of chitin.

A diverse group of hydrophobic molecules that are not polymers.

The primary building blocks of fats.

A three-carbon alcohol with a hydroxyl group attached to each carbon.

A long chain of carbons with a carboxyl group at one end.

A type of fat formed by attaching three fatty acids to one glycerol molecule.

A fatty acid with no double bonds between its carbon atoms.

A fatty acid with one or more double bonds between its carbon atoms.

A molecule that serves as the building block for proteins. It is composed of a central carbon atom bonded to an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a side chain (R-group).

The unique chemical group attached to the central carbon atom of an amino acid. It determines the amino acid's properties (polar, non-polar, acidic, basic) and its role in protein structure and function.

A type of amino acid whose R-group is attracted to water molecules due to its charge or polarity. Can form hydrogen bonds with water.

A type of amino acid whose R-group is repelled by water due to its lack of charge and non-polar nature. Usually hydrophobic and prefers to associate with other non-polar molecules.

Glycine (Gly), a non-polar amino acid with the simplest R-group (just a hydrogen atom).

Alanine (Ala), a non-polar amino acid with a methyl group (CH3) as its R-group.

Valine (Val), a non-polar amino acid with a branched chain (CH3) as its R-group.

Leucine (Leu), a non-polar amino acid with a branched chain (CH3) as its R-group.

Isoleucine (Ile), a non-polar amino acid with a branched chain (CH3) as its R-group.

Methionine (Met), a non-polar amino acid with a sulfur-containing R-group.

Phospholipids are a type of lipid that forms the cell membranes. They are composed of a glycerol molecule attached to two fatty acid chains and a phosphate group. This unique structure gives phospholipids a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails.

Phospholipids arrange themselves into a bilayer in cell membranes. The hydrophilic heads face outward towards the watery environment, while the hydrophobic tails face inwards, creating a barrier.

Steroids are lipids with a unique structure consisting of four fused carbon rings. They are distinct from fats and phospholipids.

Cholesterol is a type of steroid found in animal cell membranes. It is also a precursor for various hormones.

Both phospholipids and cholesterol have hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-fearing) parts, making them amphipathic molecules. This dual nature is essential for their roles in membranes.

Proteins are large, complex molecules that are essential for nearly every function in a cell. They are made up of smaller units called amino acids.

Amino acids are the monomers that make up proteins. They have a central carbon atom attached to an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a variable side chain called the R group.

Polypeptides are chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. These chains fold into complex 3D structures to form a functional protein.

Proteins have a wide variety of functions in cells, including structural support, transport, catalysis (enzymes), defense, and signaling.

Proteins are essential for life. They perform a vast array of functions that enable cells and organisms to survive and thrive.