structure and function of the basic macromolecules Flashcards
monomers
molecules that bond to similar or identical molecules to form a polymer.
stored in ATP bonds to fuel the cells energy needs.
endergonic vs exergonic
endergonic: energy stored in the products
exergonic: energy released to the environment.
dehydration reaction
when water is removed and a covalent bond forms between two molecules
polymers are built this way
requires an input of energy (ATP)
endergonic
hydrolysis reaction
breaks bonds by adding water molecules
exergonic
what are the four macromolecules
proteins, lipids, carbs, and nucleic acid
carbohydrates
sugars or starch that is found in all living things.
3-6 carbons long
monosaccharides (simple sugar like glucose), disaccharides (two sugars like sucrose), and polysaccharides (many sugars like carbohydrates)
carbohydrate shapes
linear, branches, or helix shaped
linear: serve as structures (chitin and cellulose).
branches: energy storage (glycogen and amylopectin).
lipids
structural, energy-storage and, hormone macromolecules.
not true polymers
arranged by carbon and hydrogen atoms called fatty-acid-chains that are attached to a glycerol molecule
the four groups of lipids
fats and oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids.
all insoluble in water.
components of each lipid groups
fats molecule: glycerol backbone and 3 fatty acid chains.
waxes: long fatty acid chains connected to alcohols.
phospholipids: two fatty-acid chains attached to a phosphate molecule.
steroids: four-ring structure that includes cholesterol, sex hormones, and hormones of the adrenal cortex.
proteins
fibrous: structural molecules in hair and nails
globular: carrier molecules like hemoglobin, antibodies, and enzymes.
transfer: help substances pass through cell membranes.
enzymes
speed up chemical processes.
have an active site where catalysis occur.
effected by temp. and pH levels
nucleic acids
polymers of linked nucleotides that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
