cels Flashcards
What are macromolecules?
Organic biological molecules that are necessary for life
What is the typical composition of macromolecules?
Typically composed of thousands of atoms or more, adding up to a large molecular mass
What are building blocks in macromolecules?
Smaller units called monomers that are joined by covalent bonds
What are the four main types of macromolecules in life?
- Polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates)
- Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA)
- Proteins
- Lipids (non-polymeric macromolecule)
Which macromolecules are polymeric?
- Polysaccharides
- Nucleic acids
- Proteins
What are polymeric molecules?
Molecules created by polymerisation of building blocks
What are the four levels of carbohydrates?
- Monosaccharides
- Disaccharides
- Oligosaccharides
- Polysaccharides
What are monosaccharides?
The single unit building blocks of carbohydrates
What are hexose monosaccharides?
Building blocks of higher order carbohydrates
What are pentose monosaccharides?
Usually part of larger molecules (e.g. nucleic acids)
What are the functions of carbohydrates?
- Recognition
- Energy
- Structure (e.g. cellulose)
What are nucleic acids?
DNA and RNA
What is the difference between DNA and RNA?
Uracil in RNA and thymine in DNA
What are proteins?
The workhorse molecules that perform functions in the whole organism
What are proteins made of?
Polymers of amino acids
What are lipids?
Many different types of molecules joined that are hydrophobic
What are the functions of lipids?
- Structural (e.g. cholesterol and phospholipid in membrane)
- Regulatory
- Energy
