Organic Molecules Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Organic Molecules?

Organic molecules are molecules that contain carbon atoms and include large molecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids. Carbon atoms have the ability to form chemical bonds with other elements such as hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen. This enables organic molecules to form complex structures with a wide variety of functions. Proteins are made up of amino acids that are linked together by peptide bonds. Proteins are essential for the structure and function of all living cells as they perform a variety of tasks including acting as enzymes to speed up biochemical reactions, providing structural support for cells, providing protection from viruses and bacteria, transporting substances across cell membranes, regulating cellular processes and forming hormones. Carbohydrates are composed of monosaccharides which can be linked together with glycosidic bonds into polysaccharides. Carbohydrates provide energy for cells through the breakdown of glucose in a process known as cellular respiration. They also provide insulation against heat loss from the body in animals or serve as a reserve food supply for plants in the form of starch or cellulose. Lipids consist mainly of fatty acids which can form esters with glycerol to form triglycerides or phospholipids which can make up cell membranes. Lipids act as an energy source when broken down into fatty acids in a process known as lipolysis; they also insulate cells and protect them from damage due to external influences. Nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA consist of nucleotides which link together by covalent bonds to store genetic information or act like enzymes called ribozymes that catalyze biochemical reactions within cells. Nucleic acids provide instructions for making proteins (DNA) or carry out specific tasks within cells (RNA). Organic molecules play an important role in biology by providing structure, function and regulation within organisms at the molecular level.