*Unit 5 - Biomolecules

Hydrophobic

"water fearing"; pertaining to nonpolar molecules (or parts of molecules) that do not dissolve in water

Proteins

A biomolecule consisting of one or more polypeptides folded into a specific three-dimensional structure.

Nucleotides

A building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a five-carbon sugar covalently bonded to a nitrogenous base and one or more phosphate groups.

DNA

A double-stranded, helical nucleic acid molecule capable of replicating and determining the inherited structure of a cell's proteins

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

A fatty acid possessing one or more double bonds between the carbons in the hydrocarbon tail. Such bonding reduces the number of hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon skeleton; these do not solidify at room temperature

Macromolecules

A giant molecule formed by the joining of smaller molecules, usually by a dehydration reaction: a protein, carbohydrate, lipids, or nucleic acid.

Fats (Triglycerides)

A lipid composed of 3 fatty acids attached to a glycerol; most function as energy-storage molecules

Polypeptide

A polymer (chain) of many amino acids linked together by peptide bonds; .

Nucleic Acids

A polymer consisting of many nucleotide monomers; serves as a blueprint for proteins and, through the actions of proteins, for all cellular structures and activities. The two types of nucleic acids are DNA and RNA.

RNA

A single-stranded nucleic acid that functions in protein synthesis, gene regulation, and as the genetic material of some viruses

Functional Groups

A specific configuration of atoms commonly attached to the carbon skeletons of organic molecules and involved in chemical reactions.

Lipids

An organic compound consisting mainly of carbon and hydrogen atoms linked by nonpolar covalent bonds, making the compound mostly hydrophobic. Includes fats, phospholipids, and steroids.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that have the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible and no double bonds; these solidify at room temperature

Isomers

Organic compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures and, therefore, different properties.

Enzymes

Proteins that speed up chemical reactions

Peptide Bond

The covalent bond formed between amino acids in a polypeptide

Double Helix

The form of native DNA, referring to its two adjacent polynucleotide strands wound into a spiral shape.

Hydrocarbons

an organic compound composed only of the elements carbon and hydrogen

Amino acids

building blocks of proteins

Carbohydrates

sugars (monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides) that are broken down to glucose to provide energy.