Macromolecules and Biological Molecules

Flashcards based on lecture notes about macromolecules, carbohydrates, lipids, and other related concepts.

What is lactose intolerance and what causes it?

Most of the world’s population cannot digest milk-based foods and may be lactose intolerant due to a lack of the enzyme lactase.

What are the characteristics of an organic compound?

Must contain C, H, and O, and can also contain N, S, and P. They are made by cells and in labs and can form long chains with carbon backbones.

What is the basis of life's molecular diversity?

Almost all molecules a cell makes are composed of carbon bonded to other carbons and atoms of other elements.

What is the bonding capacity of carbon?

Carbon can bond with numerous other elements and form up to 4 covalent bonds.

What are the types of bonds that can form between two carbon atoms?

Single, double, and triple bonds, where carbon atoms share 1, 2, and 3 electrons, respectively.

What are the key chemical groups important in the chemistry of life?

Hydroxyl, Carbonyl, Carboxyl, Amino, Phosphate, and Methyl groups.

What are the functions of carbohydrates?

Immediate energy, supply C atoms for synthesis, store energy, and build structural elements.

What are the characteristics of monosaccharides?

Contain C, H, and O in a 1:2:1 ratio. Examples include glucose and fructose.

What are isomers?

Molecules with the same molecular formula but different arrangements of atoms in space.

How are Disaccharides made?

Made by combining 2 monosaccharides together through a condensation reaction where water is removed.

What is a condensation reaction?

Small molecules are bonded together to make a larger one, with the removal of a water molecule for each bond formed.

What is a hydrolysis reaction?

Refers to the breaking apart of a polymer by adding water. Occurs during the digestion of food molecules.

What are Polysaccharides?

Contain several to thousands of monosaccharides connected together and are known as complex carbs.

Give some examples of polysaccharides

Starch and cellulose in plants, and glycogen in animals.

What are lipids?

Fats and oils, major part of cell membranes, long-term energy storage, and insulation.

What are the elements that compose lipids?

Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen with no specific ratio.

What are the characteristics of fatty acids?

Long carbon backbone chains, carboxyl group, and many hydrogens.

What are saturated fats?

Solid at room temperature, all single bonds between carbon. Examples are butter and lard.

What are unsaturated fats?

Liquid at room temperature, one or more double bonds between carbons. Examples are oils.

What is the process of hydrogenation for trans fats?

Adding hydrogen to oils to make them solid, which increases LDL concentration when consumed.

What is the effect of consuming trans fats?

Increases your LDL concentration.