18.1 Macromolecules Supporting Terms B

Front

Cellulose

Back

A complex carbohydrate found in plant cell walls that provides structural support.

Front

ATP

Back

Adenosine triphosphate, the main energy carrier in cells used to power cellular processes.

Front

Organic compounds

Back

Chemical compounds that contain carbon and are found in living organisms.

Front

Hormone

Back

A signaling molecule produced by glands that regulates physiology and behavior.

Front

Cholesterol

Back

A lipid molecule that helps maintain cell membrane structure and is a precursor to steroid hormones.

Front

Cell membrane

Back

A biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of the cell from the outside environment.

Front

Water soluble

Back

Able to dissolve in water; typically refers to polar substances.

Front

Insoluble

Back

Not able to dissolve in a solvent, such as water.

Front

Hydrophobic

Back

Repels water; describes molecules that do not mix well with water.

Front

Hydrophilic

Back

Attracts water; describes molecules that mix well with water.