Macromolecules Flashcards
Organic Compounds
found in all living things, primarily composed of covalent bonds
Importance of Carbon
the backbone of all organic compounds
Polymers
monomers linked together
Monomer
individual subunits of macromolecules
Nucleic Acids
Example: DNA, RNA, ATP
Monomer: Nucleotide
Carbohydrates
Example: Mono, Di, Poly
Monomer: Monosacchride
Proteins
Example: Antibodies
Monomer: Amino Acid
Lipids
Example: Fatty Acid
Monomer: none
Nucleotides
a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar, one or more phosphate groups
DNA
carries genetic information
DNA Shape
twisted, double helix
DNA function of sugar/phosphate
structural framework
DNA function of Nitrogenous Bases
building blocks of genetic information
RNA
converts DNA info into protein
Differences between DNA and RNA
- RNA has a single helix, and DNA has a double
- DNA has a deoxyribose base, and RNA has a ribose base
- RNA uses uracil, while DNA uses thymine
ATP
the source of energy for use and storage at the cellular level
ATP’s relationship with ADP
ATP loses the third phosphate group and it releases energy for cell functions becoming ADP (hydrolysis)
Carbohydrate’s Elemenal Composition
contains C, H, and O at a 1:2:1 ratio
Carbohydrates function in living oransims
an energy source, or part of the structure of the organism
Monosaccharides
number of units: 1
example: glucose
fast energy
Disaccharides
number of units: 2
example: sucrose, lactose, maltose
energy storage
Polysaccharides
number of units: 3
example: starch, glycogen, cellulose, chitin
energy storage
Lipids Elemental Composition
contains mostly C and H
Hydrophobic
doesn’t dissolve in water
Fatty Acids
building blocks of fat in the body
Saturated Fatty Acids
max number of hydrogen atoms, no double bonds, solid at room temp.
Unsaturated Fatty Acids
has one or more double bonds, liquid at room temp.
Triglycerides
a type of fat, lipid
Triglyceride Structure
glycerol backbone, with 3 fatty acids
Triglyceride Function
energy reserve and surrounds organs to give cushioning and support
Phospholipids
a group of polar lipids that consist of 2 fatty acids, a glycerol unit, and a phosphate group
Phosphate “head”
hydrophilic, is polar, and dissolves in water
Phosphate “tail”
hydrophobic, isn’t polar, and doesn’t dissolve in water
Steroids
group of lipids
Steroid’s Structure
4 interlocking Carbon rings
Steroid Examples
testosterone, estrogen, cortisol
Protein Support
function: provides structural support to cells and tissue
example: collagen in the skin
Protein Movement
function: allows muscle contractions
example: transport of nutrients
Protein Transport
function: acts as a door, letting molecules in and out
examples: sodium potassium pump
Protein Buffering
function: protein compounds consume small amounts of acids and bases
examples: hemoglobin binds H+
Metabolic Regulation
function: breaks down dietary proteins into individual amino acids
example: the stomach
Protein Coordination
function: transmits signals to coordinate biological processes between different cells, tissues, and organs
example: insulin
Protein Defense
function: recognizing and responding to invading pathogens
examples: antibodies
Protein Sequence and Shape
the interactions between amino acids determine the shape
Denaturation
processes that change a protein’s structure by breaking its bond that makes its shape
Enzymes
proteins that help speed up chemical reactions
Substrate
binds to the enzymes and is converted into products
Product
substance after the chemical reaction
Lock and Key Theory
describes how enzymes function
Effect of denaturation
loses it’s shape
