Biomolecules Flashcards
what is a Macromolecule
large molecule formed by joining smaller organic molecules together, usually by dehydration synthesis reaction
monomer
small molecular unit that is the building block of a larger molecule
Polymer
large molecule formed when many smaller molecules bond together
carbohydrate
a class of biomolecules that includes sugars, starches, and fiber; contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; key source of energy
Monosaccharide
A single sugar molecule such as glucose or fructose, the simplest type of sugar; monomer of complex carbohydrates
Disaccharide
A sugar formed from two monosaccharides joined by dehydration synthesis
Polysaccharide
large macromolecule formed from a long chain of monosaccharides
Proteins
a class of biomolecules that contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen; made up of amino acids; make structure of cell membranes, needed for repair and growth; includes enzymes
Amino acid
monomer that makes up proteins; contains carboxyl and amino functional groups
R groups
groups that give different amino acids different properties
Lipid
a class of biomolecules insoluble in water and usually made up of fatty acids; make up cell membranes; used by cells for long-term energy storage; examples are fats, oils, waxes, and steroids
Saturated fat
a lipid made from fatty acids that have no double bonds between carbon atoms; solid at room temperature; examples are butter, and animal fat
Unsaturated fats
A lipid made from fatty acids that have at least one double bond between carbon atoms; liquid at room temperature; examples are vegetable oils
Nucleic acids
a class of biomolecles made up of one or two chains of nucleotides; includes either RNA or DNA that carry genetic information
Nucleotide
monomer of nucleic acids made up of a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base
