1.4 Macromolecules Flashcards
What is a cell?
smallest, most basic biological unit of life
What are all cells comprised of?
macromolecules
What are macromolecules?
complex molecules that are made up of smaller subunits
What are the four main types of macromolecules found in cells?
proteins
nucleic acids
lipids
carbohydrates
What are proteins?
polymers of amino acids
What is the most abundant macromolecule?
protein
What are some functions of proteins?
enzymes
movement of materials
structure
How many amino acids are there?
20
What is the primary structure of a protein?
amino acid sequence
What is the largest known protein?
titin
How many amino acids are in titin?
33,000
How many essential amino acids are there?
9
What are nucleic acids?
chemical molecules that carry genetic information within the cell
What are the two types of nucleic acids?
RNA
DNA
What is responsible for the inheritable characteristics of living organisms?
DNA
What is RNA responsible for?
deciphering the heritaable information in DNA and using it to synthesize proteins
Which nucleic acid can leave the nucleus?
RNA
What are the building blocks of DNA?
nucleotides
What are the parts of the nucleotide?
nitrogenous base
sugar
phosphate group
What are the four nitrogenous bases?
A
T
G
C
