Final Flashcards
(42 cards)
What functional group is characterized by the presence of H and O?
Hydroxyl
Hydroxyl groups are polar and hydrophilic with a simple structure.
Which functional group is characterized by the presence of S?
Sulfhydryl
Sulfhydryl groups are polar with a simple branched structure.
What is the characteristic of the Methyl functional group?
Nonpolar, characterized by presence of H and C
Methyl groups have a simple structure.
What defines the Carbonyl functional group?
Polar, characterized by central C and O, bound to 2 organic side groups
Double bond to oxygen increases polarity.
How does the Carboxyl group behave in terms of ionization?
Charged, ionized to release H+
Carboxyl groups are characterized by central C bound to O and OH, making them acidic.
What is the basic property of the Amino group?
Charged, accepts H+ to form NH3+
Amino groups are basic and characterized by the presence of N with a branched structure.
What is the characteristic of the Phosphate functional group?
Charged, ionizes to release H+
Phosphate groups are acidic and have a complex structure.
What is the definition of Anabolic processes?
Small molecules are assembled into large ones (energy is required)
Anabolic pathways build larger molecules from smaller units.
What defines Catabolic processes?
Large molecules are broken down into small ones (energy is released)
Catabolic pathways release energy by breaking down molecules.
What constitutes the Primary structure of proteins?
Unique sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain
The primary structure determines the protein’s characteristics.
What is the Secondary structure of proteins?
The local folding of the polypeptide in some regions
This can include structures like alpha-helices and beta-sheets.
How is the Tertiary structure of proteins defined?
The unique three-dimensional structure of a polypeptide
Tertiary structure is critical for protein function.
What is the Quaternary Structure of proteins?
Some proteins are formed from several polypeptides, aka subunits
This involves bonding of more than one amino acid chain.
What connects nucleotide subunits in nucleotides?
Phosphodiester bond
This bond links the sugar of one nucleotide to the phosphate of another.
What is the most abundant natural bipolymer?
Carbohydrates
They provide structural support in plants, fungi, and arthropods.
List the pyrimidines.
- Cytosine
- Thymine (DNA)
- Uracil (RNA)
Pyrimidines are one class of nitrogenous bases in nucleotides.
List the purines.
- Adenine
- Guanine
Purines are another class of nitrogenous bases in nucleotides.
What are microfilaments?
Narrowest cytoskeletal elements, function in cellular movement
They are made of 2 intertwined strands of globular protein called actin.
What are intermediate filaments made of?
Several strands of fibrous proteins that are wound together
Their function is purely structural, anchoring nucleus and organelles.
What defines microtubules?
Small hollow tubes made of polymerized dimers of alpha-tubulin and beta-tubulin
They can dissolve and reform quickly and are structural elements of flagella, cilia, and centrioles.
What is endocytosis?
Active transport that moves particles into a cell
It includes processes like phagocytosis and pinocytosis.
What is exocytosis?
Expels waste material from the cell
It is a process of vesicle fusion with the plasma membrane.
What arises from an ion’s combined concentration gradient and electrical charge?
An electrochemical gradient
This gradient is crucial for processes like nerve impulse transmission.
What type of ligands are steroid hormones?
Small hydrophobic ligands used in cellular signaling
They can easily pass through cell membranes.
