Biological Molecule Flashcards
What is a monomer?
Basic unit of polymers. Examples include monosaccharides, amino acids, and nucleotides.
Define polymer.
Long molecule consisting of many smaller and identical repeating monomers.
What is a condensation reaction?
A reaction where two monomers combine with a chemical bond, releasing a molecule of water.
What is hydrolysis?
The breakdown of polymers into monomers using a water molecule.
What are macromolecules?
Giant complex molecules that are often polymers.
List examples of monomers.
- Monosaccharides (simplest carbohydrates)
- Amino acids (protein)
- Nucleotides (DNA)
What are the four important biological molecules?
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Nucleic acids
- Lipids
What are carbohydrates primarily composed of?
Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O).
What monomers form carbohydrates?
Monosaccharides, such as glucose, fructose, and galactose.
What is a disaccharide?
Formed by condensation of two monosaccharides, examples include maltose, sucrose, and lactose.
What is a polysaccharide?
A carbohydrate composed of many monosaccharides linked together.
What are the types of starch?
- Amylose
- Amylopectin
What is cellulose?
A polysaccharide formed by condensation of beta-glucose molecules, forming strong chains.
How is glycogen related to glucose?
Animals store excess glucose as glycogen.
What is the structure of amino acids?
Consists of an amino group, carboxyl group, hydrogen atom, and a variable R group.
What is a peptide bond?
The bond formed between two amino acids during dipeptide formation.
How are polypeptides formed?
By linking many amino acids together through peptide bonds.
What are lipids?
Not polymers, made from various components, all containing hydrocarbons.
What is a triglyceride?
A lipid formed from glycerol and fatty acids, characterized by its hydrophobic tails.
What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?
- Saturated: single bonds
- Unsaturated: double bonds
What is a phospholipid?
A lipid composed of two fatty acids and a phosphate group, forming cell membranes.
Fill in the blank: The basic unit of carbohydrates is _______.
monosaccharides
True or False: Proteins are formed by linking nucleotides together.
False
What type of bond forms between glycerol and fatty acids in triglycerides?
Ester bond
