The Structure and Function of Large Biological Molecules

What are the four major classes of biological molecules?

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids

What is the process by which monomers link together called?

Dehydration Reaction

Describe the process of dehydration reaction. 

The process of monomers bonding together through the loss of water molecules. 

How is the process of dissablening polymers called?

Hydrolysis

Explain Hydrolysis

The process of breaking polymers back down into monomers by breaking (adding water) the covalent bonds between the molecules. 

Define macromolecules

A giant molecule formed by the joining of smaller molecules. Polysaccharides, proteins, and nucleic acids are macromolecules.

What is a Polymer?

A long molecule consisting of many similar or identical monomers linked together by covalent bonds.

What are monomers?

The subunit that serves as the building block of a polymer.

Define enzymes

A macromolecule serving as a catalyst, a chemical agent that increases the rate of a reaction without being consumed by the reaction. Most enzymes are proteins.