Biological Macromolecules and Enzymes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the four primary macromolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, proteins), their monomers, polymers, functions, and enzyme activation energy.

Carbohydrates

Macromolecules composed of Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen in a 2-1 ratio; their main function is quick/short term energy (Energy NOW), and they also function in cell structure and cell recognition.

Monosaccharides

The monomer of carbohydrates; examples include glucose (formed in the chloroplast of plants) and fructose.

Polysaccharides

The polymer of carbohydrates; an example is cellulose.

Glucose Ring Structure

An example monosaccharide formed in the chloroplast of plants.

Lipids

Macromolecules composed of Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen; their main function is long-term energy storage (Energy LATER), along with insulation, protection, cell membranes, and hormones.

Glycerol + Fatty Acids

The monomer components of lipids.

Smooth ER Lipid Formation

Fats are formed by the smooth ER; examples of lipids include phospholipids, oil, and steroid hormones like estrogen.

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecules composed of Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen (CHON); their main function is to store and transmit genetic information (INFORMATION), containing instructions for making proteins and heredity.

Nucleotides

The monomer units that compose nucleic acids.

DNA/RNA

The polymer form of nucleic acids that functions as genetic material.

Protein

Macromolecules composed of Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and sometimes Sulfur (CHONP(s)); their main function is to perform cellular functions (DO the WORK).

Amino Acids

The monomer building blocks of proteins.

Polypeptide

The polymer form of proteins; examples include hair, nails, muscles, and enzymes.

Enzyme Activation Energy Graph

A reaction coordinate diagram comparing free energy peaks, showing that a reaction with an enzyme lowers the required activation energy compared to a reaction without an enzyme.