BIological Macromolecules

Macromolecules

Large molecules found in all living things.

Polymers

Large molecules made up of repeating units called monomers.

Monomers

The repeating units that make up polymers.

Dehydration Synthesis

The process of removing water to form a macromolecule.

Hydrolysis

The process of adding water to break apart a macromolecule.

Carbohydrates

Macromolecules made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio.

Monosaccharide

The monomer of carbohydrates; a simple sugar.

Disaccharide

A polymer of carbohydrates made of two monosaccharides; functions for short-term energy storage.

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates that function for long-term energy storage.

Lipids

Macromolecules primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, used for long-term energy storage.

Phospholipids

Major components of the cell membrane.

Proteins

Macromolecules made up of amino acids; involved in growth and repair as well as enzyme function.

Amino Acid

The monomer of proteins.

Polypeptide

A polymer of proteins; also known as a protein.

Enzymes

Proteins that speed up chemical reactions by lowering activation energy.

Induced Fit

The change in enzyme shape that allows a better fit for the substrate.

Denaturation

The alteration of an enzyme's physical shape due to high heat or extreme pH changes.

Inhibitors

Molecules that bind to an enzyme and prevent substrate binding.

Co-factors/Co-enzymes

Molecules that bind to an enzyme to allow substrate binding.

Optimal pH

The pH at which an enzyme operates best.