Biological Macromolecules

Flashcards covering key concepts related to biological macromolecules, their structures, and functions.

Monomer

A small molecular unit that can join together with other small units to form a polymer.

Polymer

A large molecule composed of many repeating subunits (monomers) bonded together.

Carbohydrates

Biological macromolecules consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, used for energy and structure (e.g., sugars and starches).

Lipids

Hydrophobic organic molecules, primarily fats and oils, used for long-term energy storage and signaling (e.g., triglycerides, cholesterol).

Proteins

Macromolecules made up of amino acids, serving various functions like enzyme catalysis, transport, and structural support.

Nucleic Acids

Biological macromolecules, such as DNA and RNA, that store and transmit genetic information.

Monosaccharides

The simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of a single sugar unit (e.g., glucose, fructose).

Disaccharides

Carbohydrates formed by the linkage of two monosaccharides (e.g., lactose, sucrose).

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates formed by long chains of monosaccharide units (e.g., starch, cellulose, glycogen).

Amino Acid

Building blocks of proteins, consisting of an amino group, carboxyl group, and side chain (R group).

Nucleotide

The basic structural unit of nucleic acids, made up of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

Saturated Fats

Fats that have no double bonds between carbon atoms, typically solid at room temperature (e.g., butter).

Unsaturated Fats

Fats that have one or more double bonds in their fatty acid chains, usually liquid at room temperature (e.g., olive oil).

Enzyme

A protein that catalyzes biochemical reactions, speeding up the rate of reaction.

Cholesterol

A type of lipid that is a component of cell membranes and a precursor for steroid hormones.

Primary Structure

The linear sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Secondary Structure

The local folded shapes of proteins, including alpha helices and beta pleated sheets.

Tertiary Structure

The three-dimensional shape of a protein that is determined by interactions among various side chains or R groups.

Quaternary Structure

The structure formed when two or more polypeptide chains come together to form a single protein complex.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak bond that occurs when a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom is attracted to another electronegative atom.

Sugar-phosphate Backbone

The structural framework of nucleic acids, consisting of alternating sugar and phosphate groups.

Base Pair

Two nucleobases bound to each other by hydrogen bonds in a double-stranded nucleic acid.