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
ATP
(adenosine triphosphate) main energy source that cells use for most of their work
Dehydration synthesis
process where water is removed to put 2 smaller molecules together
Hydrolysis
Breaking down complex molecules by the addition of water; it is essential for digestion
steroid
Lipid with a backbone of four fused carbon rings. Ex. Cholesterol, testosterone, estrogen.
Cholesterol
steroid molecule present in the plasma membrane of animal cells. It may clog the arteries causing arteriosclerosis and heart disease
what can carbon bond with
sponch and other carbon atoms
carbon can form…
long chains and rings
what is the most adaptable element
carbon
how do plants store energy?
through amylose (straight chains) or Amylopectin (branched chains)
