The Structure and Function of Large Biomolecules

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture on the structure and function of large biomolecules.

Monomer

A simple organic molecule that can join together to form polymers.

Polymer

A substance composed of large molecules formed by the joining of smaller units called monomers.

Macromolecule

Large molecules formed by the joining of many small polymers.

Dehydration reaction

A reaction that synthesizes a polymer by removing a water molecule to form a new bond.

Hydrolysis

A reaction that breaks down a polymer by adding a water molecule.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; serve as fuel and building material.

Monosaccharide

The simplest form of carbohydrates; single sugar molecules with 3 to 7 carbon atoms.

Disaccharide

A carbohydrate composed of two monosaccharides joined together.

Polysaccharide

Complex carbohydrates that consist of long chains of monosaccharides.

Lipid

A diverse group of hydrophobic organic compounds primarily used for energy storage and membrane structure.

Phospholipid

A type of lipid that is a major component of cell membranes, consisting of glycerol, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group.

Protein

Large biomolecules made of amino acids that perform various essential functions in living organisms.

Amino acid

The building blocks of proteins, linked together by peptide bonds.

Nucleic acid

Biomolecules that store and transmit genetic information, including DNA and RNA.

DNA

A nucleic acid that contains genetic information required for the growth and reproduction of organisms.

RNA

A nucleic acid that plays a role in protein synthesis.

Enzyme

A protein that acts as a catalyst to speed up chemical reactions.

Deoxyribose

A sugar component of DNA nucleotides.

Ribose

A sugar component of RNA nucleotides.