Biochemistry Flashcard #4 - Lipids, Proteins, Enzymes and Nucleic Acids

Front

What are nucleic acids and their primary function in a cell?

Back

Nucleic acids are large and complex macromolecules that store and transfer genetic information in a cell.

Front

True or False: Enzymes are used only once in biochemical reactions.

Back

False. Enzymes can be used repeatedly in biochemical reactions.

Front

What are the two main monomers that make up lipids?

Back

The two main monomers of lipids are glycerol and fatty acids.

Front

What is the role of phospholipids in biological membranes?

Back

Phospholipids are a structural component of cell membranes, forming a bilayer that provides barrier and fluidity.

Front

What are the monomers that compose proteins?

Back

Proteins are composed of amino acids.

Front

Define lipids and their general functions in biological systems.

Back

Lipids are hydrophobic molecules that serve various functions, including energy storage, structural components of cell membranes, and signaling molecules.

Front

What is the significance of enzymes in biochemical reactions?

Back

Enzymes act as catalysts that speed up biochemical reactions without being consumed in the process.

Front

Describe the structure of a phospholipid.

Back

A phospholipid consists of a glycerol backbone, two fatty acid tails, and a phosphate group, making it amphipathic.

Front

What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Back

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more double bonds.

Front

How do amino acids link together to form proteins?

Back

Amino acids link together through peptide bonds formed during a dehydration synthesis reaction.