Biomolecules and Macromolecules Lecture Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the four major biological macromolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, proteins), including their monomers, polymers, constituent atoms, functions, and key examples.

Carbohydrates

Macromolecules containing Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen in a $2:1$ ratio ($\text{CHO}$) whose main function is quick/short term energy, with additional roles in cell structure and cell recognition.

Monosaccharides

The monomer of carbohydrates.

Polysaccharides

The polymer of carbohydrates.

Glucose Structure

The chemical ring structure of glucose, a carbohydrate monosaccharide formed in the chloroplast of plants.

Carbohydrate Examples

Glucose (formed in plant chloroplasts), cellulose, fructose, and other sugar molecules ending in -ose.

Lipids

Macromolecules containing Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen ($\text{CHO}$) whose main function is long-term energy storage, with additional roles in insulation, protection, cell membranes, and hormones.

Glycerol + Fatty Acids

The monomer of lipids.

Lipid Polymer

Lipids do not form polymers (NONE).

Fat

A lipid formed by the smooth ER; examples of lipids include phospholipids, oil, and steroid hormones like estrogen.

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecules containing Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen ($\text{CHON}$) whose main function is to store and transmit genetic information, providing instructions for making proteins and heredity.

Nucleotides

The monomer of nucleic acids.

DNA/RNA

The polymer of nucleic acids, representing genetic material.

Protein

Macromolecules containing Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and sometimes Sulfur ($\text{CHONP(s)}$) whose main function is to perform cellular functions.

Amino Acids

The monomer of proteins.

Polypeptide

The polymer of proteins.

Protein Functions and Examples

Functions include enzymes, structure, transport, movement, defense, and signaling; examples include hair, nails, muscles, enzymes, and foods like meats.

Activation Energy Graph

A graph plotting free energy against reaction coordinate, illustrating how a reaction curve lowers activation energy with an enzyme compared to without an enzyme.

Macromolecule Functional Summary

Carbs = Energy NOW; Lipids = Energy LATER; Proteins = DO the WORK; Nucleic Acids = INFORMATION.