Organic Molecules Flashcard

Front

Which polysaccharide is used by plants for structural support?

Back

Cellulose

Front

Why is carbon considered a good basis for biological molecules?

Back

It can form four covalent bonds.

Front

Describe the primary function of carbohydrates in living organisms.

Back

Energy storage and structural materials.

Front

What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?

Back

Saturated fats have no double bonds; unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds.

Front

How does the structure of a phospholipid contribute to its function in cell membranes?

Back

It forms bilayers due to hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

Front

What are the building blocks of proteins?

Back

Amino acids.

Front

What is the role of enzymes in biological reactions?

Back

Enzymes act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions.

Front

Define the term 'hydrophobic'.

Back

Hydrophobic refers to molecules that do not interact well with water.

Front

What is the primary function of nucleic acids?

Back

Storing and transmitting genetic information.

Front

What is the structure of a triglyceride?

Back

A triglyceride consists of one glycerol molecule and three fatty acids.