BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES Flashcards
The large molecules necessary for life that are built from smaller organic molecules are called
biological macromolecules
simplest organic carbon molecule
methane
are macromolecules with which most consumers are somewhat familiar.
carbohydrates
are simple sugars, the most common of which is glucose
the number of carbon atoms usually ranges from three to six
monosaccharides
form when two monosaccharides undergo a dehydration reaction. During this process, the hydroxyl group (–OH) of one monosaccharide combines with a hydrogen atom of another monosaccharide, releasing a molecule of water (H2O) and forming a covalent bond between atoms in the two sugar molecules.
disaccharides
long chain of monosaccharides linked by covalent bonds
polysaccharide
the stored form of sugars in plants and is made up of amylose and amylopectin
starch
the storage form of glucose in humans and other vertebrates, and is made up of monomers of glucose
glycogen
one of the most abundant natural biopolymers
cellulose
Cellulose passing through our digestive system
dietary fiber
an organic compound with three carbon atoms, five hydrogen atoms, and three hydroxyl (–OH) groups.
glycerol
have a long chain of hydrocarbons to which an acidic carboxyl group is attached
fatty acids
if there are only single bonds between neighboring carbons in the hydrocarbon chain
the number of hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon skeleton is maximized
solid at room temperature
saturated fatty acid
When the hydrocarbon chain contains a double bond
liquid at room temperature
unsaturated fatty acid
Most unsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature and are called oils. If there is one double bond in the molecule
monounsaturated fat
Most unsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature and are called oils. If there is more than one double bond
polyunsaturated fat
fatty acids that are required but not synthesized by the human body
Essential fatty acids
Although they do not resemble other lipids, they are grouped with them because they are also hydrophobic.
have a ring structure
steroids
made up of a hydrocarbon chain with an alcohol (–OH) group and a fatty acid.
waxes
one of the most abundant organic molecules in living systems and have the most diverse range of functions of all macromolecules.
protein
chemical signaling molecules, usually proteins or steroids, secreted by an endocrine gland or group of endocrine cells that act to control or regulate specific physiological processes, including growth, development, metabolism, and reproduction.
hormones
monomers that make up proteins.
amino acids
Every amino acid also has another variable atom or group of atoms bonded to the central carbon atom
r group
a polymer of amino acids
polypeptide
polypeptide or polypeptides that have combined together, have a distinct shape, and have a unique function.
protein
unique three-dimensional structure of a polypeptide
tertiary structure
some proteins are formed from several polypeptides
subunits
If the protein is subject to changes in temperature, pH, or exposure to chemicals, the protein structure may change, losing its shape
denaturation
key macromolecules in the continuity of life
They carry the genetic blueprint of a cell and carry instructions for the functioning of the cell.
nucleic acid
DNA and RNA are made up of monomers known as
nucleotides
