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Chemistry of Life - Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What is an organic compound and why is carbon important in them?

    An organic compound contains carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen. Carbon is important because it can form four covalent bonds, allowing complex and diverse molecules essential for life.

  • Define monomer and polymer.

    A monomer is a small, basic molecular unit. A polymer is a large molecule made by linking many monomers together.

  • What is dehydration synthesis?

    Dehydration synthesis is a chemical reaction that joins monomers by removing a water molecule, forming a polymer.

  • What is hydrolysis?

    Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction that breaks polymers into monomers by adding a water molecule.

  • Name the four major classes of organic macromolecules.

    The four major classes are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

  • What are the monomers of carbohydrates?

    The monomers of carbohydrates are monosaccharides, such as glucose.

  • Describe the general structure of carbohydrates.

    Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, usually in a ratio of 1:2:1, forming rings or chains of monosaccharides.

  • Give examples and functions of carbohydrates in the human body.

    Examples include glucose and glycogen. They provide energy and serve as energy storage.

  • What are the monomers of lipids?

    Lipids are not true polymers but are made of glycerol and fatty acids.

  • Describe the general structure of lipids.

    Lipids consist of a glycerol backbone bonded to fatty acid chains; they are hydrophobic molecules.

  • Give examples and functions of lipids in the human body.

    Examples include triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids. Functions include energy storage, forming cell membranes, and hormone production.

  • What are the monomers of proteins?

    The monomers of proteins are amino acids.

  • Describe the general structure of proteins.

    Proteins are polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, folding into complex 3D shapes.

  • Give examples and functions of proteins in the human body.

    Examples include enzymes, antibodies, and hemoglobin. Functions include catalysis, immune defense, and oxygen transport.

  • What are the monomers of nucleic acids?

    The monomers of nucleic acids are nucleotides.

  • Describe the general structure of nucleic acids.

    Nucleic acids are polymers of nucleotides, each containing a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

  • Give examples and functions of nucleic acids in the human body.

    Examples include DNA and RNA. They store and transmit genetic information.

  • Describe the diversity of protein functions in the human body.

    Proteins function as enzymes, structural components, transporters, signaling molecules, and immune defenders.

  • What is ATP and its general structure?

    ATP (adenosine triphosphate) consists of adenine, ribose sugar, and three phosphate groups.

  • What is the function of ATP in the human body?

    ATP provides energy for cellular processes by releasing energy when its phosphate bonds are broken.