Exam 1 SG Flashcards
How do the classes of biomolecule compare in terms of % w/i the human body
- protein: 16%
- lipids: 15%
- carbohydrates: 1%
- nucleic acids: 1%
Lipids
- monomer: fatty acids
- water insoluble molecules
- amphipathic
Importance of lipids
- form barriers
- serve as stored fuel source
- involved in signal transduction
Proteins
- monomer: amino acids
- can be soluble/insoluble depending on AA 3D structure
- participate in essentially all cellular processes (workhorses)
Importance of proteins
- serve as catalysts, enhancing rate of chemical reactions
- serve as signaling molecules and receptors
- maintain cell shape/structural support
Carbohydrates
- monomer: monosaccharides
- water soluble rich in hydroxyl groups
- can be attached to proteins OR lipids
Importance of carbohydrates
- primary fuel source for living creatures
- serve as sites for cell-cell interaction
- maintain shape/structure
Nucleic Acids
- monomer: nucleotides
- RNA and DNA
- primarily found in phosphorylated form
Importance of nucleic acids
- store and transfer genetic information
Major Elements
CHNOPS
Why is Carbon so versatile?
- bond formation
- affinity for oxygen
- bond dissociation
- electronegativity
Covalent vs Noncovalent
- covalent: share electrons b/w pairs (strong)
- noncovalent: vary in electromagnetic interactions w/i or between molecules (weak)
Covalent vs noncovalent in H2O structure
- covalent: bonds b/w hydrogen and oxygen
- noncovalent: b/w one water molecule and another
Why are lipids not considered true polymers?
- they do not contain multiple polymers and they are not interlinked
Saturated FA
- composed of carbon-carbon single bonds
Unsaturated FA
- one or more c-c double or triple bonds
Omega-3 FA and Omega-6 FA
- the location of the first c-c double bonds counting from the methyl group
What is X:X
total carbons: c-c double bonds
Why must humans obtain. most of their cis-polyunsaturated fatty acids from their diet?
- our bodies do not make them because we cannot synthesize them
Four Classes of lipids
- Triacylglycerols
- Phospholipids
- Glycolipids
- Steroids
Classes that contain FA
- triacylglycerols, phospholipids, glycolipids
Classes that are found in the membrane
- phospholipids, glycolipids, steroids
Why is the plasma membrane important?
- surrounds the outside of every prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
- composed of two layers and contains proteins and carbs
- impermeable to MOST molecules