Unit 3 List 1 Macromolecules Flashcards
Macromolecule
a very large molecule, essential for biological processes, formed by the polymerization of smaller repeating units called monomers, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates
Organic
compounds that contain carbon, with most also containing hydrogen
Monomer
a small molecule that can react with other similar molecules to form a larger molecule called a polymer
Polymer
a large molecule (macromolecule) composed of many repeating, smaller, structural units called monomers, linked together by chemical bonds.
Carbohydrates
biomolecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
Lipids
a diverse group of hydrophobic (water-insoluble) organic compounds, including fats, oils, waxes, and steroids, that are essential for energy storage, cell structure, and various biological functions
Fatty acids
carboxylic acids with long aliphatic chains that can either be branched or unbranched
Protein
a large, complex molecule composed of one or more long chains of amino acids, linked together by peptide bonds
Amino acids
molecules that combine to form proteins.
Enzymes
proteins that act as biological catalysts, accelerating chemical reactions in the body by lowering the activation energy needed for a reaction to occur
Catalyst
a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction, or lowers the temperature or pressure needed to start one
Nucleic acids
large biomolecules that play essential roles in all cells and viruses
Nucleotide
a compound consisting of a nucleoside linked to a phosphate group. Nucleotides form the basic structural unit of nucleic acids such as DNA.
Hormone
your body’s chemical messengers
Steroids
synthetically produced variants of the naturally occurring male hormone testosterone
Dehydration synthesis
a type of chemical reaction in which two smaller molecules are joined together to form a larger molecule following the release of water
Hydrolysis
a chemical reaction in which a chemical compound is broken down by reaction with water
