4 Organic Compounds and Macromolecules Overview

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to organic compounds and macromolecules, helpful in preparing for your upcoming exam.

Carbon

The basis of all organic compounds; it is the 4th most abundant element in the universe.

Organic Compounds

Compounds that contain covalently bound carbon molecules, often with other elements like hydrogen and oxygen.

Covalent Bonds

Bonds formed when carbon atoms attach to other carbon atoms, allowing for diverse structures.

Functional Groups

Specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules.

Polymers

Large molecules made up of repeated subunits called monomers, forming complex structures in living organisms.

Monomers

Small, simple units that can join together to form larger molecules or polymers.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction that breaks bonds in polymers by adding water.

Dehydration Reaction

A chemical reaction that links monomers by removing water to form covalent bonds.

Macromolecules

Large and complex molecules that include carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids.

Saturated Fats

Fats in which all carbon atoms are fully saturated with hydrogen, typically solid at room temperature.

Unsaturated Fats

Fats that contain one or more double bonds in their fatty acid chains, typically liquid at room temperature.

Cholesterol

A steroid that is a key component of cell membranes and a precursor for other steroid hormones.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds that are hydrophilic and primarily serve as a source of energy.

Disaccharides

Sugars formed from two monosaccharides linked by a dehydration reaction.

Polysaccharides

Carbohydrates that consist of long chains of monosaccharide units, such as starch and cellulose.

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecules that store and transmit genetic information, made of nucleotide monomers.

Lipids

Hydrophobic organic compounds, including fats, oils, and phospholipids, that are insoluble in water.