Biochemistry Flashcards
organic
a compound that contains CARBON
(typically has oxygen, too.)
it’s not neccessarily natural!
What is special about carbon?
- can have up to 4 covalent bonds;
- will bond with several different elements at the same time;
- can form straight chains, rings, and branched chains
What is a polymer?
molecules made from repeating units of identical or nearly identical molecules linked by covalent bonds
What is a monomer?
a small organic compound,
combine to make polymers
What is a macromolecule?
a large molecule
(huge polymer)
How do you make a polymer?
Just remove the water.
monomer + monomer → polymer + water
(dehydration synthesis)
How do you break a polymer?
Just add water.
polymer + water → monomer + monomer
(hydrolysis)
What are the 4 main organic compounds?
- carbohydrates
- lipids
- proteins
- nucleic cdids
dehydration synthesis
when water is removed from two monomers and a polymer is made
hydrolysis
when water is added to a polymer and it is broken into two monomers
the equation for dehydration syntheisis
monomer + monomer = polymer + water
the equation for hydrolysis
polymer + water = monomer + monomer
Name 3 things that are different in
saturated and unsaturated fats:
Saturated (typically animal fats)
- straight chain
- single covalent bonds.
- solid at room temp
UnSaturated (typically vegetable oils)
- kinked chain
- at least 1 double covalent bond
- liquid at room temp.
Where are phospholipids important?
Phospholipids are key in cell membrane.
Proteins: What are amino acids
the monomer (building block) of proteins
