Macromolecules Flashcards
Revision for exams & quizzes
What are macromolecules?
is a very large molecule built up from smaller chemical structures.
What is the purpose of macromolecules?
is to provide you (as well as other organisms) with the building blocks to maintain homeostasis.
What is homeostasis?
a state of balance among the body systems needed for the body to survive and function.
What is a polymer?
it is a long chain of repeating molecular subunits, or building blocks called monomers.
What is a monomer?
is a smaller molecule that can react together with other monomer molecules to form a large polymer chain.
What is the ratio of molecules in carbohydrates?
1:2:1 (1 carbon, 2 hydrogen, 1 oxygen)
What is the purpose of carbohydrates?
is a fast source of energy for living organisms.
What are the 4 macromolecules?
Carbohydrates, lipids (fats), protein, and nucleic acids
What are carbohydrates also referred to as?
Saccharides (sugar)
What are the monomers for carbs?
Monosaccharides (one sugar)
What is it called when monosaccharides form together?
They form polysaccharides (many sugars)
What molecules are found in saccharides?
C, O, H (Carbon, Oxygen, Hydrogen)
What are lipids?
Molecules that include fats, oils, waxes, and cholesterol
What are the functions of the lipids?
Long-term energy sources, and insulation, form part of the cell’s structure
What is the monomer for lipids?
Fatty acids & glycerol
What are fatty acids made from?
Chains of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms
What is the polymer of lipids?
Triglyceride
What are the parts in some lipids that make up the cell membrane?
Phosphate group, glycerol, 2 fatty acids (makes phospholipid)
What are proteins?
A macromolecule composed of many peptide-bonded amino acids.
What is the monomer for proteins?
Amino acid
What is the polymer of proteins?
Protein/polypeptide
What are proteins made up off?
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen (and sometimes sulfur)
What holds amino acids together to from a protein?
Peptide bond
What are the functions of proteins?
Moves things out of the cell (supports defense control), structural support, metabolism
What is a nucleic acid?
Nucleic acids are large macromolecules made from nucleotides
What elements make up a nucleic acid?
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus
What is the monomer for nucleic acids?
Nucleotide
What is the polymer of nucleic acids?
DNA & RNA
What are the 3 parts of a nucleic acid?
Sugar, phosphate group (pentose sugar), and nitrogenous base
Examples of carbohydrates
Breads, pastas, fibres, starches
Examples of lipids
Butter, fats, oils, waxes, cholesterol
Examples of proteins
Meats, eggs, nuts, beans
