Macromolecules and Enzyme Activity

Vocabulary flashcards covering the four major biological 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 that function in quick/short term energy, cell structure, and cell recognition.

Monosaccharides

The monomer building blocks of carbohydrates, such as glucose and fructose.

Polysaccharides

The polymer form of carbohydrates, such as cellulose.

Glucose Structure

A monosaccharide carbohydrate structure formed in the chloroplast of plants.

Lipids

Macromolecules composed of Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen (CHO) used for long-term energy storage, insulation, protection, cell membranes, and hormones.

Glycerol + Fatty Acids

The monomer components of lipids.

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecules composed of Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen (CHON) whose main function is to store and transmit genetic information.

Nucleotides

The monomer building blocks of nucleic acids.

DNA/RNA

The polymers of nucleic acids that provide instructions for making proteins and facilitate heredity.

Protein

Macromolecules composed of Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and sometimes Sulfur (CHONP(s)) that perform cellular functions.

Amino Acids

The monomer building blocks of proteins.

Polypeptide

The polymer form of proteins.

Activation Energy Curve

A free energy diagram demonstrating how a reaction proceeds with lower activation energy when an enzyme is present.

Smooth ER

The organelle in which fats are formed.