Macromolecules Flashcards
Monomer
a monomer is a molecule with low molecular weight that can combine with others of the same kind to form a chemical compound known as a polymer.
Polymer
polymers are formed from multiple monomers connected together.
Dehydration synthesis
the creation of larger molecules from smaller monomers where a water molecule is released.
Hydrolysis Reaction
In a hydrolysis reaction, a larger molecule forms two (or more) smaller molecules and water is consumed as a reactant.
-involves adding water to one large molecule to break it into multiple smaller molecules
Carbohydrates
- sugar and starches
- C, H, O
Monosacharrides
Simple sugars containing three to seven carbon atoms
Disaccharides
Double sugars
- Formed by dehydration synthesis of two monosaccharides
Too large to pass through cell membranes
Polysaccharides
Polymers of monosaccharides
Formed by dehydration synthesis of many monomers
Not very soluble
Formula of Monosaccharides
(CH2O)n: general formula
n = number of carbon atoms
Example of Monosaccharides
Pentose sugars
-Ribose and deoxyribose
Hexose sugars
-Glucose (blood sugar)
Example of Disaccharides
Sucrose, maltose, lactose
Lipids
- Contain C, H, O, but less in carbohydrates, and sometimes contain P
- Insoluble in water
Triglycerides
polymer of lipid
Called fat when solid oils when liquid
Made of saturated fatty acids (saturated in H atoms)
What are triglycerides made of?
Composed of three fatty acids (linear hydrocarbons) bonded to a glycerol molecule (sugar alcohol) by dehydration synthesis
Function of Triglycerides
- Energy storage
- Insulation
- Protection
Saturated fatty acids
What Triglycerides are made of
A saturated fat is a type of fat in which the fatty acid chains have all single covalent bonds.
It is saturated with H atoms.
These create linear molecules which can pack closely together forming a solid at room temperature (Example: animal fats, butter)
Unsaturated fatty acids
Unsaturated fatty acid carbon chains contain one or more double bonds with a terminal carboxylic group (–COOH)
have less h atoms
Example of unsaturated fats
Trans fats – modified unsaturated fatty oils that resemble structure of saturated fats that are considered unhealthy
Omega-3 fatty acids – “heart healthy”
Phospholipids
Modified triglycerides
Important in cell membrane structure
What are phospholipids made of?
Glycerol and two fatty acids plus a phosphorus-containing group
Phospholipids structure
“Head” and “tail” regions have different properties
Head
Head is polar *charged and hydrophilic (attracted to water)
Tails
Tails are nonpolar and hydrophobic (repelled by water)
Steroid
Consist of four interlocking ring structures
What is the function of steroids?
Starting material for synthesis of vitamin D, steroid hormones, and bile salts
Important in cell plasma membrane structure
Steroids Example
Most important steroid is cholesterol
Steriods are made by
Made by liver and also found in animal products (ex: cheese, eggs, meat)
Eicosanoids
Derived from a fatty acid (arachidonic acid) found in cell membranes
Eicosanoids role
Play a role in blood clotting, control of blood pressure, inflammation, and labor
contractions
Inflammatory actions are blocked by NSAIDs (Ex: aspirin or ibuprofen)
Proteins functions
Have most varied functions of any molecules
Structural - collagen
chemical (enzymes)
contraction (muscles)- actin and myosin
Transport proteins
Can act as either an acid or base