Unit 2: Micromolecules Flashcards
What are monomers and polymers?
monomers - smaller molecules
polymers - multiple monomers bonded together
What is dehydration synthesis?
a water molecule is removed from a monomer so that it bonds with a polymer
What is hydrolysis?
opposite of dehydration synthesis
water molecules is added to break the bond between monomers
What are the uses of carbohydrates?
main energy source for cells
also used for structure in plant cell walls + arthropod exoskeletons
What is the elemental makeup of a carbohydrate?
carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
in ratio of 1C : 2H : 1O
what are monosaccharides and polysaccharides?
types of carbohydrates
monosaccharides are monomers made up of only one sugar molecule
polysaccharides are made of multiple monosaccharides joined together by dehydration synthesis.
What is a lipid? What are their main purposes?
not a polymer, unlike the other four macromolecule types
used to maintain body heat + store energy long term
also found in cells’ plasma membranes
What are the four types of macromolecules?
carbohydrates
proteins
lipids
nucleic acids
What is a lipid’s elemental makeup?
carbon and hydrogen
What are two examples of lipid categories?
hormones
steroids
What is the elemental makeup of a protein?
made of nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen
what is an amino acid
monomer that makes up proteins
Describe the structure of an amino acid.
contains 4 groups:
01 amino group (-NH2)
02 a hydrogen atom
03 carboxyl group (-COOH)
04 variable R-group, which is unique to the identity of the amino acid
How are amino acids linked together? What is the name for multiple amino acids linked together?
peptide bonds
known as a polypeptide
How is a peptide bond formed?
formed between carbon from the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the nitrogen from the amino group of the other amino acid