Macromolecules (Organic) - Chapter 3

Vocabulary flashcards covering macromolecules, dehydration reactions, polymers, monomers, and the four main biomolecule classes: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, as described in the notes.

Macromolecule

A large organic molecule built from many monomers; examples include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Organic

Carbon-containing; carbon atoms form diverse bonds with elements like H, N, O, P, S to create large molecules (macromolecules).

CHNOPS

The elements carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur—the common elements in cells that make up macromolecules.

Monomer

A small molecule that can join with others to form a polymer.

Polymer

A large molecule consisting of repeating monomer units connected together, often via dehydration reactions.

Dehydration reaction

A chemical reaction that links monomers by removing water, forming a polymer; requires energy and specific enzymes.

Hydrolysis reaction

A chemical reaction that breaks polymers into monomers by adding water; requires water and enzymes.

Carbohydrates

Macromolecule type built from carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; monomers are monosaccharides; linked by dehydration; used for energy storage and structural support.

Monosaccharide

Simple sugar with C:H:O in a roughly 1:2:1 ratio; energy source; building block for polysaccharides.

Glucose

A common monosaccharide that stores energy in its bonds and is used to produce ATP.

Disaccharide

Carbohydrate formed by two monosaccharides joined by a dehydration reaction.

Polysaccharide

Polymer of many monosaccharides; used for energy storage (starch in plants, glycogen in animals) and structural support (cellulose).

Lipids

Hydrophobic macromolecules not typical polymers; include fats, phospholipids, and sterols.

Fats (Triglycerides)

Glycerol backbone with three fatty acid chains; major energy storage, plus insulation and cushioning.

Glycerol

Three-carbon backbone of triglycerides.

Fatty acids

Hydrocarbon chains attached to glycerol in triglycerides; vary in length and saturation.

Phospholipids

Lipids with two fatty acid chains and a phosphate-containing group; amphipathic with a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail; essential for cell membranes.

Sterols

Lipids with four fused carbon rings; include cholesterol; function in hormones and membrane integrity.

Cholesterol

A sterol component of cell membranes and a precursor to steroid hormones.

Amphipathic

Molecules with both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-fearing) parts (e.g., phospholipids).

Hydrophobic

Water-fearing; nonpolar; tends to repel or avoid water.

Hydrophilic

Water-loving; polar or charged; readily interacts with water.

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecule type that stores and transfers genetic information; monomers are nucleotides.

Nucleotides

Monomers of nucleic acids; composed of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Proteins

Macromolecule type built from amino acids; perform diverse roles including catalysis, structure, and signaling.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as biological catalysts to speed up dehydration and hydrolysis reactions.