Biology Chapter on Biomolecules

A chemical bond that links two sugar molecules together.

A complex carbohydrate made up of many glucose monomers linked together by 1-4 glycosidic bonds, found in animals.

A disaccharide composed of α-glucose and galactose, found in milk.

A type of reaction that breaks down larger molecules into smaller molecules by adding water.

A complex carbohydrate made up of many glucose monomers linked together by 1-4 glycosidic bonds, found in plants.

A simple sugar with a 6-membered ring structure, containing a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to the first carbon atom. It's a building block of starch.

A bond that forms when two α-glucose molecules join together, releasing a water molecule and forming a disaccharide called maltose.

A linear polymer of α-glucose monomers joined by 1-4 glycosidic bonds. A component of starch.

A branched polymer of α-glucose monomers joined by 1-4 and 1-6 glycosidic bonds. A component of starch.

Proteins are large molecules made up of smaller units called amino acids.

Proteins can have diverse shapes and functions within the body, from structural components to enzymes.

Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the body by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction.

Amino acids are small organic molecules that make up proteins. They have a central carbon atom bonded to an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a side chain known as the R group.

The R group is the unique part of each amino acid that determines its specific properties and function.

A chemical bond that links two amino acids in a protein.

A reaction that forms a larger molecule from smaller molecules by releasing water.

A molecule consisting of two amino acids linked by a peptide bond.

A chain of three or more amino acids joined by peptide bonds.

A molecule made up of a long chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.

The specific sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

The three-dimensional shape of a protein, stabilized by interactions like hydrogen bonds.

The arrangement of a polypeptide chain into alpha helices or beta pleated sheets.

The structure formed when two or more polypeptide chains interact to form a larger protein.

A branched polymer made of glucose units linked by 1-4 and 1-6 glycosidic bonds. It is the storage form of glucose in animals, found primarily in the liver and muscles.

Cellulose is a linear polymer of glucose units linked by beta-1,4 glycosidic bonds. It is the major component of plant cell walls, providing structural support and rigidity.

Starch, composed of amylose and amylopectin, is a branched polymer of glucose units linked by alpha-1,4 and alpha-1,6 glycosidic bonds. It is the storage form of glucose in plants, found in roots, seeds, and fruits.

Starch and cellulose both consist of glucose monomers but have different structures, properties, and functions.

Amylopectin is a branched form of starch, with alpha-1,6 glycosidic bonds creating branches. Its branching structure allows for rapid mobilization of glucose units, making it suitable for energy storage.

Lipids are a diverse group of organic compounds that are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. They are essential for various biological functions.

Triglycerides are the most common type of lipid and are composed of a glycerol molecule attached to three fatty acid chains.

Cholesterol is a type of lipid that is an essential component of cell membranes and is a precursor to many hormones.

Steroids are a group of lipids that have a specific four-ring structure and include hormones like testosterone and estrogen.

Phospholipids are lipids that contain a phosphate group, making them essential for the structure of cell membranes.