Biological Macromolecules

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to biological macromolecules, their structures, and functions.

Macromolecules

Large organic molecules in cells made by combining smaller ones.

Monomers

Small organic molecules used to build macromolecules.

Polymers

Many monomers bound together.

Condensation Reaction

A chemical reaction where two molecules combine to form a larger molecule with the loss of water.

Hydrolysis Reaction

A chemical reaction that breaks down a compound by adding water.

Monosaccharide

The simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar molecules.

Disaccharide

A carbohydrate composed of two monosaccharides.

Polysaccharide

A carbohydrate composed of more than two monosaccharides.

Stereoisomers

Molecules with the same formula and bonding relationships but different spatial arrangements.

Glycogen

A storage polysaccharide in animals, used for energy.

Cellulose

A structural polysaccharide in plants, providing rigidity to cell walls.

Proteins

Biomacromolecules made from amino acids that perform various functions in the body.

Amino Acids

The building blocks of proteins, there are 20 different types.

Peptide Bond

The bond formed between amino acids in a protein.

Protein Conformation

The three-dimensional shape of a protein, which is crucial for its function.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a molecule that carries genetic information.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, involved in protein synthesis and gene regulation.

Nucleotides

The monomers that make up nucleic acids; consists of a phosphate group, a pentose sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

Purines

Nitrogenous bases with a two-ring structure; include adenine (A) and guanine (G).

Pyrimidines

Nitrogenous bases with a single-ring structure; include cytosine (C), thymine (T), and uracil (U).

Triglycerides

A type of lipid used for energy storage, composed of glycerol and three fatty acids.

Phospholipids

Lipid molecules that form bilayers in cell membranes, consisting of a glycerol backbone, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group.

Steroids

Lipid molecules with a characteristic ring structure, typically not water-soluble.