Lab 4: Biological Macromolecules Flashcards
macromolecules
“large” molecule
Are the building block molecules that form the structure and are involved in the chemical processes of all living things
What are the four major categories of macromolecules
- carbohydrates
- proteins
- lipids
- nucleic acids
monomers
the simplest building block of a macromolecule
polymer
a molecule made up of a long chain of monomers
hydrolysis
a reaction that breaks apart polymers (large molecules) into monomers (smaller molecules)
condensation
a reaction that binds smaller molecules (monomers) into larger molecules (polymers)
carbohydrates
type of macromolecule that serves as a building material for cellular structure or as a source of energy
monosaccharides
the simplest carbohydrate (“simple sugar”)
What are the three different types of monosaccharides?
- glucose
- fructose
- galactose
disaccharide
a carbohydrate formed by linking two monosaccharides (known as table sugar or sucrose)
Table sugar/ sucrose is what type of carbohydrate?
disaccharide
What are chemical characteristics of monosaccharides pertaining to carbon placement?
monosaccharides have a chemical backbone structure of 3 to 7 carbon atoms
What elements/groups are typically attached to the carbon backbone of monosaccharides?
In some configurations attached to the carbon backbone are:
- hydrogen atoms (H)
- hydroxyl groups (OH)
- carbonyl group (-C=O)
How can you identify a monosaccharide given only its linear chemical structure?
The relative placement of the hydrogen atoms (H), hydroxyl groups (OH), and carbonyl group (-C=O) gives each monosaccharide its identify and properties?
If the carbonyl group (-C=O) is found at the end of the molecule, what type of monosaccharide is it?
Glucose
If the carbonyl group (-C=O) is found inside the molecule, what type of monosaccharide is it?
Fructose
If the carbonyl group (-C=O) is found at the end of the sugar, what is the new name of the carbonyl group?
aldehyde group
If the carbonyl group (-C=O) is found at the end of the sugar, what is the name of the molecule?
aldose
If the carbonyl group (-C=O) is found internally in the sugar, what is the new name of the carbonyl group?
ketone group
If the carbonyl group (-C=O) is found internally in the sugar, what is the name of the molecule called?
ketose
What is the disaccharide that is synthesized by plant cells?
sucrose
What is the name of the sugar found in milk?
lactose
sucrose is the formation of what two monosaccharides?
glucose and fructose
lactose is the formation of what two monosaccharides?
glucose and galactose
polysaccharides
hundreds to thousands of monosaccharides linked together to form a long polymer
What is the function of polysaccharides?
- energy storage molecules
2. molecules for support or structure
starch
a polysaccharide that serves as a reservoir of stored energy in plants
glycogen
a polysaccharide that stores energy for animals
What are the two similarities between starch and glycogen?
- Both are polysaccharides
2. Function: serves as a reservoir of stored energy
How does starch and glycogen differ from one another?
- Where they are found
a. Starch is found in plants
b. Glycogen is found in animals - Chemical structure
a. Glycogen is similar in structure to starch but is much more highly branched
What polysaccharide serves as building material for plants?
cellulose
cellulose
a polysaccharide that forms plants’ cell walls (acts as a building material)
What polysaccharide serves as building material for insects and shellfish?
chitin
chitin
a polysaccharid that forms insects’ and shellfishes’ exoskeletons (acts as a building material)
lipid
a macromolecule that is non-polar, hydrophobic (water fearing) and insoluble in water
What is a type of lipid?
triglycerides
triglycerides
type of lipid
How are triglycerides formed?
by linking fatty acids to a glycerol molecule
What is the function of triglyceride, when they are in a form of a fat or oil?
used for energy storage of organisms
What are two general characteristics of lipids?
- Hydrophobic (“water fearing”)
2. Do not dissolve in water
What type of lipid is used for cell membrane structure?
phospholipids
phospholipids
a type of lipid used for cell membrane structure
sterols
a type of lipid important for hormones
What type of lipid is important for hormones?
sterols
protein
a polymer formed by linking amino acids via peptide bonds
How many naturally occurring amino acids are there?
20
What is the general chemical structure of an amino acid?
a central carbon bonded by a hydrogen atom, an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a “R” group
“R” group
a group that is different from each amino acid
What is used to identify an amino acid
“R” group is different from each amino acid
What is the importance of the protein’s shape?
The shape of a protein plays an essential role in the protein’s function
What are the general four functions of proteins?
- structural support
- speeding chemical reactions
- transport
- movement
peptide bond
a type of covalent bond used to link amino acids into polymers
What is the purpose of Benedict’s test?
to detect the presence of reducing sugars
reducing sugars
sugars with a free aldehyde or ketone group (-C=O)
