Biomolecules: Monomers, Polymers, and Macromolecules (Video Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering monomers, polymers, and major biomolecule classes as described in the notes.

Monomer

The most basic unit of a macromolecule; many monomers bonded together form a polymer.

Polymer

A large molecule built from many monomers; formed through polymerization.

Polymerization

The chemical process of linking monomers to form polymers.

Hydrolysis

A reaction that breaks polymers into monomers by adding water.

Dehydration Synthesis

A reaction that forms polymers by removing water to bond monomers.

Carbohydrates

Macromolecules composed of C, H, and O; provide quick energy and structural support; monomer: monosaccharides; polymers: disaccharides and polysaccharides.

Monosaccharides

Single-sugar units (e.g., glucose, fructose).

Disaccharides

Two monosaccharides linked together (e.g., sucrose).

Polysaccharides

Many monosaccharides linked together (e.g., starch, glycogen, cellulose).

Lipids

Hydrophobic macromolecules containing C, H, O; no true monomer; include triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol; functions: store energy, form membranes, waterproof coverings, hormones.

Glycerol

Backbone molecule in triglycerides; binds to fatty acids.

Fatty Acids

Building blocks of lipids; combine with glycerol to form fats.

Triglycerides

Fats formed from glycerol and three fatty acids; store energy.

Phospholipids

Lipids that form cell membranes; have a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails.

Cholesterol

A lipid (steroid) involved in membranes and hormone production.

Proteins

Macromolecules containing C, H, O, N; monomer: amino acids; polymer: polypeptides; functions include enzymes, transport, regulation, structure.

Amino Acids

Monomers of proteins; more than 20 naturally occurring types.

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids; a protein when folded into a functional form.

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecules that store hereditary information; polymers of nucleotides; include DNA and RNA.

Nucleotide

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

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; stores hereditary information in organisms.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid; involved in encoding, transcribing, and translating genetic information.

CHONP

Elements found in macromolecules: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus.