Unit 3 CHATGPT Flashcards
(28 cards)
How many covalent bonds can carbon form?
Carbon can form up to four covalent bonds with other atoms.
What is a hydrocarbon chain?
A hydrocarbon chain is a molecule consisting entirely of carbon and hydrogen atoms arranged in a chain, commonly found in lipids.
What is a functional group? Name five examples important in physiology.
A functional group is a specific group of atoms in a molecule that determines its chemical behavior. Examples: 1. Hydroxyl (–OH), 2. Carboxyl (–COOH), 3. Amino (–NH₂), 4. Phosphate (–PO₄), 5. Methyl (–CH₃).
What are the three main elements in carbohydrates and their proportions?
Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; typically in a 1:2:1 ratio (e.g., C₆H₁₂O₆ for glucose).
Why are carbohydrates generally hydrophilic?
Because they contain multiple hydroxyl (–OH) groups which are polar and can form hydrogen bonds with water.
What are the three main size groups of carbohydrates and their definitions?
- Monosaccharides – single sugar units (e.g., glucose, fructose, ribose). 2. Disaccharides – two sugar units (e.g., sucrose, lactose, maltose). 3. Polysaccharides – long chains of sugar units (e.g., starch, glycogen, cellulose).
What is the major function of each carbohydrate group?
Monosaccharides – quick energy; Disaccharides – energy transport; Polysaccharides – energy storage and structural support.
What are the major elements in lipids?
Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (with much more C and H than O).
What is the approximate elemental ratio in lipids?
Lipids contain mostly carbon and hydrogen, with very little oxygen; no fixed ratio like carbohydrates.
What are the main structural components of triglycerides?
One glycerol molecule bonded to three fatty acid chains.
What is the primary function of triglycerides in the human body?
Long-term energy storage and insulation.
Describe the structure of phospholipids.
Phospholipids consist of a glycerol backbone, two fatty acid tails (nonpolar), and a phosphate group head (polar).
What is the function of phospholipids in the human body?
They form the main structure of cell membranes.
Describe the structure of steroids.
Steroids consist of four fused carbon rings with various functional groups attached.
What is the function of steroids in the human body?
They act as hormones (e.g., estrogen, testosterone) and regulate metabolism.
Why are lipids generally insoluble in water?
Because they are nonpolar and hydrophobic, while water is polar—so they do not mix well.
What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?
Saturated fats have no double bonds between carbon atoms; unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds, causing kinks in the chains.
What is the difference between monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats?
Monounsaturated fats have one double bond; polyunsaturated fats have two or more.
What are the chemical elements in proteins?
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur.
What are the four parts of a generic amino acid?
Amino group (–NH₂), carboxyl group (–COOH), hydrogen atom, and R group (side chain).
List eight major functional groups of proteins.
- Structural, 2. Enzymes, 3. Transport, 4. Defense, 5. Hormones, 6. Receptors, 7. Motor proteins, 8. Storage.
What are the chemical elements in nucleic acids?
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
What is the structure of a nucleotide?
A phosphate group, a five-carbon sugar (ribose or deoxyribose), and a nitrogenous base.
What is the structure and function of ATP?
ATP contains adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups. It stores and releases energy for cellular work.
