Concept 3- Biological Micromolecules Flashcards
What are the monomers and polymers of carbohydrates?
Monomer: monosaccharides (single sugar molecules, like glucose)
Polymer: polysaccharide (larger sugar molecules, like starch)
What are the monomers and polymers of proteins?
Monomer: amino acids
Polymer: polypeptide
What are the monomers and polymers of nucleic acids?
Monomer: nucleotides (adenine, guanine, thymine, cytosine, uracil; which are made up of 5-carbon sugar, phosphate group, and a nitrogen containing base)
Polymer: nucleic acid (DNA or RNA)
What are the major functions of the carbohydrate macromolecule?
Energy storage (short-term)
Minor uses: structure, transport, and signaling
What are the major functions of the lipid macromolecule?
Energy storage
Other uses are insulation, protection and structure
What are the major functions of the protein macromolecule?
No “main” function cuz protein does so much!! They run your body.
(Enzymes, hormones, make up bones structurally, transport substances, movement, and sourced in food!)
What are the major functions of the nucleic acid macromolecule?
They are informational molecules that store, transmit, and express out genetic info; the contain the instructions for making proteins.
What are examples of each macromolecule?
Carbohydrates: Glucose
Lipids: oil
Protein: tryptophan
Nucleic acids: DNA or RNA
What is the relative comparison between energy storage of macromolecules?
Carbohydrate: stores 4 calories/gram (remember, short term energy)
Lipids: stores 9 calories/gram (remember long term energy storage
Protein: stores 4 calories/gram
Nucleic acids: stores no energy! They’ll never be broken down for an energy source.
What is the order that the body consumes carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins for energy? Why?
First carbohydrates, because they are an easy and short term energy source, Lipids are next burned off as they are a long term source of energy. Proteins are the last resort for energy because they already do so much for your body.
Why are proteins the most diverse macromolecule?
Proteins are made by your body and found in the food we eat. Their structure and functions are so diverse, and include
- enzymes that control biochemical reaction rates
- hormones that regulate cell processes
- antibodies that help your immune system
- they run movement
- they’re receptors in cell signaling
And an energy source in the food we eat!
What macromolecule is not obtained from food? How do you get it?
Nucleic acids :) you get them from your parents because they’re found in DNA and RNA
What are macromolecules?
Large organic molecules that make up all living things (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids)
Structurally most are polymers made of monomers
What is a monomer?
Small basic sub-unit
What is a polymer?
The larger, more complex structure made of monomers
