Introduction to Macromolecules and Their Functions

Flashcards summarizing key terms related to macromolecules, their structures, and functions.

Monomers

The building blocks of polymers.

Dehydration Synthesis

A process where one monomer forms a covalent bond to another and releases a water molecule.

Hydrolysis

A reaction that breaks a bond by adding a water molecule, generally releasing energy.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, such as sugars.

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars containing 3-7 carbon atoms, examples include glucose and fructose.

Disaccharides

Formed when two monosaccharides bond via dehydration synthesis, examples include lactose and sucrose.

Polysaccharides

Long chains of monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds, such as starch and glycogen.

Starch

Stored form of sugars in plants.

Triglycerides

Fats formed from glycerol and three fatty acids, important for energy storage.

Saturated Fat

Fat that is saturated by hydrogen, solid at room temperature and generally unhealthy.

Unsaturated Fat

Fat with fewer hydrogen atoms, liquid at room temperature, considered healthier.

Proteins

Macromolecules that provide structure, send chemical signals, speed up reactions, and more.

Nucleic Acids

Biopolymers that store and pass on genetic information, examples include DNA and RNA.

Polynucleotide

A chain formed by nucleotides, consisting of a nitrogenous base, a five-carbon sugar, and phosphate groups.

Purine

Nucleotides with a two-ring structure, such as adenine and guanine.

Pyrimidine

Nucleotides with a single-ring structure, such as thymine, uracil, and cytosine.

Directionality of Polynucleotide Chain

Refers to the orientation of nucleotides, indicated as 5' to 3' direction.

Double Helix

The structure formed by two complementary DNA strands bound together.

RNA

Single-stranded nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis and gene regulation.

mRNA

Messenger RNA, an intermediate between a protein coding gene and its protein product.

tRNA

Transfer RNA, brings amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA, helps accelerate chemical reactions and binds mRNA to the ribosome.