Biological Molecules

Carbohydrates

Includes sugars and polymers of sugars; primary source of energy in animals.

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars; monomers of carbohydrates used for cellular respiration.

Disaccharides

Double sugars constructed from two monosaccharides; examples include lactose and sucrose.

Lactose Intolerance

Condition where the body does not produce the enzyme lactase, affecting lactose digestion.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

A disaccharide made from corn syrup; linked to health issues like obesity and diabetes.

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates consisting of long chains of sugars; examples include starch and cellulose.

Starch

A polysaccharide that serves as a carbohydrate storage tank for plants.

Glycogen

Storage form of glucose in humans, found in muscle and liver cells.

Lipids

Hydrophobic molecules including fats and steroids; useful yet potentially harmful.

HDL

High-density lipoproteins that lower bad cholesterol; obtained from fruits and vegetables.

Triglyceride

A large lipid molecule made from glycerol and three fatty acids; serves as energy storage.

Atherosclerosis

Condition characterized by high lipid content in the bloodstream leading to blockages.

Steroids

Lipids with a carbon skeleton consisting of four fused rings; cholesterol is a common example.

Proteins

Biological polymers made from amino acids; essential for cellular activity and structure.

Structural Proteins

Provide support and form structures like hair and ligaments.

Storage Proteins

Supply amino acids for growth; found in seeds and eggs.

Contractile Proteins

Enable muscle contraction and movement.

Transport Proteins

Help transport substances; hemoglobin transports oxygen in red blood cells.

Enzymes

Proteins that catalyze chemical reactions; used in various applications including cleaning products.

Prion Disease

Mad Cow Disease, caused by infectious prions that damage the central nervous system.

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecules that store genetic information; composed of nucleotides.

DNA Uses

Applications include paternity tests, disease detection, and gene therapy.