Important Molecules in Biology
Across
- 2. The building block of nucleic acids; composed of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen base.
- 4. A large molecule made of amino acids that performs many functions in cells, including structure, transport, and regulation of chemical reactions.
- 7. A polar molecule that makes up most of the cytoplasm in cells and is required for many life processes, including chemical reactions and transport of materials.
- 8. A protein produced by the immune system that recognizes and binds to specific foreign substances.
- 10. A green pigment in plant cells that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.
- 12. A type of protein that speeds up chemical reactions in cells without being used up.
- 14. A molecule that stores and transfers energy within cells for cellular processes.
- 16. An organic molecule composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that serves as a main source of energy for organisms.
- 17. A large organic molecule, such as fats or oils, used for long-term energy storage and as a component of cell membranes.
- 18. A protein hormone that regulates blood glucose levels by allowing cells to absorb glucose.
- 19. A molecule used in cellular respiration to release energy from glucose.
- 20. A nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes.
Down
- 1. A type of lipid that forms the main structure of the cell membrane, consisting of a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails.
- 3. A complex carbohydrate stored in plants that can be broken down into glucose for energy.
- 5. A molecule produced as a waste product of cellular respiration and used by plants during photosynthesis.
- 6. A molecule produced during anaerobic respiration when oxygen is not available.
- 9. A simple sugar that is a primary source of energy for cells and is produced during photosynthesis.
- 11. The building block of proteins; small molecules that are linked together in a specific order to form proteins.
- 13. Acid A nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of organisms.
- 15. A protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.