Biology 2.1.2. Flashcards
Condensation
the type of reaction that takes place when two monomers are joined together to form a polymer, using water.
Hydrolysis
the type of reaction that occurs when a water molecule is added to break a bond in a molecule.
Hydrophilic
a region which readily attracts water molecules.
Hydrophobic
a region which is repelled away from water.
Molecule
a substance composed of 2 or more atoms joined together by covalent bonds.
Polymer
a long repeating chain of small sub-units called monomers.
Polypeptide
a polymer formed from a chain of amino acids.
Primary structure
the sequence of a chain of amino acids.
Quaternary structure
2 or more polypeptides joined together.
Secondary structure
The folding/ coiling of the primary structure, to form alpha-helixes or beta-pleated sheets.
Tertiary structure
The further folding of the alpha-helix secondary structure.
Monomers
individual molecules that make up a polymer.
