Chemistry of Life: Macromolecules, Water Structure, and Basic Chemistry

Macromolecules

Large complex molecules essential for life.

Proteins

Macromolecules composed of amino acids that perform various functions.

Monomer

The basic building block of macromolecules.

Amino acids

The monomers that make up proteins.

Functions of Proteins

Includes enzymes, energy source, composition of ribosomes, and transport of molecules.

Elements in Proteins

Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen (CHON).

Structure of Proteins

Includes primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.

Primary structure

The sequence of amino acids in a protein, held together by peptide bonds.

Carbohydrates

Macromolecules that serve as short-term energy sources.

Monosaccharides

The monomers that make up carbohydrates.

Function of Carbohydrates

Provides short-term energy, with glucose as a primary example.

Elements in Carbohydrates

Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen (CHO).

Lipids

Macromolecules that serve as long-term energy storage.

Glycerol and fatty acids

Monomers that make up triglycerides, a type of lipid.

Structure of Lipids

Composed of carbon rings followed by linear chains of carbons and hydrogens.

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecules that store and transmit genetic information.

Nucleotides

The monomers that make up nucleic acids, including adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine, and uracil.

Function of Nucleic Acids

Molecules for inheritance, primarily DNA.

Elements in Nucleic Acids

Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus (CHONP).

Structure of Water

H2O with a polar structure due to hydrogen bonding.

Cohesion

The tendency of water molecules to stick to each other.

Adhesion

The tendency of water molecules to stick to non-water molecules.

Buffers

Substances that help maintain pH balance.

pH

A measure of acidity or alkalinity, with neutral at 7.

Atomic structure

Composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Protons

Positively charged particles located in the nucleus.

Neutrons

Neutral particles located in the nucleus.

Electrons

Negatively charged particles that surround the nucleus.

Atomic Mass

The sum of protons and neutrons in an atom.

Isotopes

Atoms with an atypical number of neutrons.