Macromolecules Flashcards
What are macromolecules?
Large molecules composed of thousands of atoms, typically organized into polymers.
Name the four major types of macromolecules.
Proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.
True or False: Macromolecules are usually small and simple in structure.
False
What type of macromolecule are enzymes classified as?
Proteins.
Fill in the blank: Carbohydrates are primarily composed of ______, hydrogen, and oxygen.
Carbon
What is the basic unit of carbohydrates?
Monosaccharides.
What is a polymer?
A large molecule formed by the covalent bonding of many smaller molecules called monomers.
Which macromolecule serves as the primary source of energy for living organisms?
Carbohydrates.
True or False: Lipids are soluble in water.
False
What are the building blocks of proteins?
Amino acids.
What type of bond links amino acids together in proteins?
Peptide bonds.
Name the macromolecule that stores genetic information.
Nucleic acids.
What are the two types of nucleic acids?
DNA and RNA.
Fill in the blank: The primary function of lipids is to store ______.
Energy
What is the monomer of nucleic acids?
Nucleotides.
Which macromolecule is important for cell membrane structure?
Lipids.
True or False: All proteins function as enzymes.
False
What is the process called by which polymers are formed from monomers?
Polymerization.
What type of macromolecule is glucose?
Carbohydrate.
What is the role of RNA in cells?
To transfer genetic information from DNA for protein synthesis.
Fill in the blank: Proteins can function as ______, structural components, and signaling molecules.
Enzymes
What are triglycerides?
A type of lipid composed of glycerol and three fatty acids.
True or False: All carbohydrates are sweet to taste.
False
What is the main function of cellulose?
To provide structural support in plant cell walls.
What are the two main types of carbohydrates?
Simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates.
What is a phospholipid?
A lipid containing a phosphate group that is a major component of cell membranes.
Fill in the blank: Amino acids have a central carbon atom bonded to an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a ______ group.
R group
What is the function of chitin?
To provide structural support in the exoskeletons of arthropods and in fungi.
What determines the function of a protein?
Its three-dimensional structure.
True or False: Unsaturated fats are typically solid at room temperature.
False
What is the primary energy storage form in animals?
Glycogen.
What is the name of the bond that links monosaccharides together?
Glycosidic bond.
What are the three components of a nucleotide?
A sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
Fill in the blank: The sequence of ______ in a protein determines its shape and function.
Amino acids
What is the main function of lipids in cells?
To store energy and form cell membranes.
