Biological Molecules Flashcards
(91 cards)
Organic molecules
Carbon
Oxygen
Hydrogen
Carbohydrates
Respiratory substances which provide energy for cells
Structure in cell membranes (plasma membranes) and cell walls
Lipids
Respiratory substances which provide energy for cells
Form a bilayer in cell membranes (plasma membranes)
Make up some hormones
Proteins
Main component of many cellular structures
Form enzymes
Chemical messengers
Components of blood
Nucleic acids
Carry the genetic code for the production of proteins
Polymers
Molecules made form lots of repeating units called monomers that are joined together
Monomers
Small units from which larger molecules are made e.g monosaccharides amino acids nucleotides
Condensation reaction
Joins two monomers together with the formation of a covalent bond by removing a water molecule
Hydrolysis reaction
Breaks the covalent bond between two monomers and involves the addition of water
Monosaccharides and examples
The monomers from which larger carbohydrates are made
E.g glucose fructose and galactose
What bond is formed during a condensation reaction between two monosaccharides
Glycosidic bond
How is a disaccharide formed
Condensation of two monosaccharides
Maltose
Disaccharide formed by condensation of two glucose molecules
Sucrose
Disaccharide formed by the condensation of a glucose molecule and fructose molecule
Lactose
Disaccharide formed by condensation of a glucose molecule and a galactose molecule
Glucose has two isomers
Alpha glucose and bets glucose
What is a isomer
Two or more compounds with the same formula but different arrangement of atoms in the molecule
How are polysaccharides formed
Condensation of many glucose units
Starch
Alpha glucose
Stores energy in plants and is a mixture of two polysaccharides: amylose and amylopectin
Amylose- unbranched chain of glucose molecules joined by 1-4 glycosidic bonds-coiled and compact
Amylopectin- branched made up of 1-6 glycosidic bonds has side branches which can be acted upon simultaneously by enzymes to release its energy
Properties- insoluble will not affect water potential, compact so can be stored in a small place when released alpha glucose can be transported easily
Glycogen
Alpha glucose
In animals large number of branches 1-6 glycosidic bonds
Lots of side branches energy can be released quickly
Large but compact maximising amount of energy it can store
Insoluble will not affect water potential
Cellulose
Beta glucose
In plants
Long unbranched chains of beta glucose joined by glycosidic bonds
Microfibrils are strong threads which are made of long cellulose chains running parallel to one another and joined by hydrogen bonds forming strong cross links
Important- stops cell wall from bursting, hydrogen bonds make microfibrils strong but flexible, cells become turgid maximising the surface area
Are lipids polymers or not
No
Functions of lipids
Provide source of energy, help insulate organisms, waterproofing, from membranes and hormones
Two types of lipids
Triglycerides
Phospholipids
How are triglycerides formed and structure
Formed by the condensation of one molecule of glycerol and three fatty acids
This forms an ester bond between glycerol and fatty acid