4. Biological Molecules Flashcards
What are biological molecules
They are the most essential organic molecules involved in the maintenance and metabolic processes of living organisms.
What are polymers
A large molecule composed of small repeating singular molecular structures called monomers.
What are monomers
Small molecules which may be joined together repetitively to form more complex molecules called polymers.
What are the four major types of biological molecules
1) Carbohydrates
2) Proteins
3) Fats
4) Nucleic acid
What elements do carbohydrates consist of
Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen
What are the monomers of carbohydrates called
Simple sugars/ monosaccharides
What are examples of monosaccharides
Glucose, Fructose, Galactose
How are disaccharides formed
When two monosaccharides undergo a dehydration reaction
Examples of disaccharides
Lactose, maltose, sucrose
How are polysaccharides formed
Formed when a chain of monosaccharides are linked by covalent bonds
Examples of polysaccharides
Starch, glycogen, cellulose, chitin
What are the elements that make up proteins
Carbon, hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and [Sulphur]
What are the monomers of proteins
Amino acids
How are proteins important in terms of structure and function of cells (2)
1) Cell repair
2) Mitosis
What elements are fats (lipids) made out of
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen
