biological molecules

define polymer

Large, complex molecule made up of different/repeating units called monomers

how are polymers formed

formed through condensation reactions

what’s a condensation reaction

chemical process where a chemical/covalent bond forms between monomers which release a molecule of water

define a monomer

small, basic molecular units that join together in long chains to form polymers

give examples of some monomers and the polymer that they form

amino acids form proteins

monosaccharides form carbohydrates

nucleotides form DNA and RNA

what’s a hydrolysis reaction

breaks the chemical bond between monomers using a water molecule

name the 3 main biological molecules

carbohydrates, protein and lipids/fats

what’s the monomer of a carbohydrate

monosaccharides

define monosaccharides

simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of a sing unit of sugar. Its the basic sub unit that makes up the polymer.

examples of monosaccharides

Fructose, galactose and glucose

what is the chemical formula for glucose

C6 H12 O6

what two types of glucose is there

Alpha glucose and Beta glucose

where is the OH (hydroxyl group) in alpha glucose

bottom right

where is the OH (hydroxyl group) in beta glucose

top right

define a disaccharide

when two monosaccharides join together

when monosaccharides join together what reaction takes place and what happens

condensation reaction meaning a bond of water (H2O) forms and is released leaving oxygen by itself

Because Oxygen is left due to a condensation reaction when monosaccharides join- what bond does it make

glycosidic bond

what monosaccharides join to form maltose

alpha glucose and alpha glucose

what monosaccharides join to form lactose

alpha glucose and galactose

what monosaccharides join to form sucrose

alpha glucose and fructose

define a polysaccharide

complex carbohydrates made up of many monosaccharides joined via glycosidic bonds

what are the 3 main polysaccharides

starch, glycogen and cellulose

where is starch found

only found in plant cells

how do plant cells make glucose - what’s it stored as

make glucose in photosynthesis where its stored as starch

why is glucose stored as starch in plants

because glucose is soluble so can effect osmosis causing cells to loose water therefor its stored as starch which is insoluble

when starch is eaten to provide energy what’s it broken down into and stored as

broken down back into glucose to be stored as glycogen

what two different polysaccharides is starch made off

amylose and amylopectin

what are the main points about starch

• suited for an energy store

• compact

• insoluble

• easily hydrolysed

what are the monosaccharides of amylose and amylopectin

alpha glucose

What’s the main points about amylose (polysaccharide that makes up starch)

• linear structure made of alpha glucose

• glycosidic bonds

• twist into helix shape making it compact to store more glucose

what are the main points about amylopectin (polysaccharide that makes up starch)

• chains of alpha glucose linked by glycosidic bonds

• branched molecule meaning its easily hydrolysed for use during respiration