The Structure and Function of Large Biological Molecules

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the structure and function of large biological molecules as discussed in the lecture.

Macromolecules

Large molecules composed of thousands of covalently connected atoms.

Polymer

A long molecule consisting of many similar building blocks called monomers.

Condensation Reaction

A reaction where two monomers bond together through the loss of a water molecule.

Dehydration Reaction

The specific type of condensation reaction that removes a water molecule to form a new bond.

Hydrolysis

A reaction where polymers are disassembled into monomers by adding a water molecule.

Monosaccharides

The simplest carbohydrates, also known as single sugars.

Glycosidic Linkage

The covalent bond formed between two monosaccharides during a dehydration reaction.

Polysaccharides

Polymers of sugars that have storage and structural roles.

Cellulose

A structural polysaccharide that is a major component of the plant cell wall.

Lipids

A diverse group of hydrophobic molecules that do not form polymers.

Fatty Acids

Carboxyl group attached to a long carbon skeleton; components of fats.

Ester Linkage

The bond formed between glycerol and fatty acids in a fat.

Phospholipids

Lipids that consist of two fatty acids and a phosphate group attached to glycerol.

Proteins

Biological macromolecules consisting of one or more polypeptides that perform a wide range of functions.

Amino Acids

Organic molecules that serve as the building blocks of proteins, containing carboxyl and amino groups.

Peptide Bonds

Covalent bonds that link amino acids together to form proteins.

Nucleic Acids

Molecules that store and transmit hereditary information; DNA and RNA.

Nucleotides

Monomers of nucleic acids composed of a nitrogenous base, sugar, and a phosphate group.

Double Helix

The structure formed by two polynucleotides spiraling around an axis in DNA.

Antiparallel

The arrangement of the two strands of DNA double helix running in opposite directions.

Emergent Properties

New properties that emerge at higher levels of biological organization.