Chapter 3 Flashcards
Large molecules (polymers)
Macromolecules
The building blocks (single parts) for polymers.
Monomers
The synthesis of polymers by the loss of a water molecule between the reacting monomers. This is an anabolic process.
Dehydration Synthesis
Polymers are broken down into smaller parts or constituent monomers by the addition of water. This is a catabolic reaction.
Hydrolysis
Starches and sugars (for examples)
Carbohydrates
Monosaccharides: simple sugars, like glucose
Each monosaccharide contains 2-7 carbons.
NOTE: “ose” means sugar.
Monomers of Carbohydrates
Most common energy source for “cellular work.”
Function
Fatty acids (tails), glycerol (backbone); the number of tails hanging off the backbone determines the name. Ex: 3 tails = triglyceride
Lipids: Sub Units of Fats
Energy storage. NOTE: Lipids contains twice as much energy as carbohydrates. Cell membrane structure - phospholipids; insulation - to regulate body temperature; chemical messengers - steroid hormones; water proofing - oil in skin (sebum) helps keep water in.
Use of Lipids
Means “water-fearing” structural component of cell membrane.
Hydrophobic Molecules
Have the max number of hydrogen atoms present per molecule because there are no bonds between carbon atoms; commonly solid at room temperature; commonly animal in origin (think land).
Saturated Fatty Acids
Due to the presence of double bonds between carbons, these fatty acids have less than the max number of hydrogen atoms present in their structure; often liquid at room temperature because the tails are kinked; commonly plant in origin (think olive oil).
Unsaturated Fatty Acids
Monomers of proteins; make up all of the world’s proteins.
Amino Acids
Structural proteins: hair, tendons, and ligaments.
Contractile proteins: muscles.
Enzymes or chemical catalysts: sucrase, salivary amylase.
Enzyme: a protein that catalyzes (speeds up) chemical reactions by weakening the bonds of its substrate.
NOTE: “ase” generally indicates an enzyme.
Common Uses of Proteins
