Biological Macromolecules and Reactions

Vocabulary flashcards covering functional groups, monomers, polymers, dehydration synthesis, and hydrolysis reactions from the biology lecture notes.

Phosphate ($PO_4$)

An acidic functional group that releases $H^+$ ions.

Methyl ($CH_3$)

A non-polar, hydrophobic functional group.

Macromolecules

Large, chain-like polymers such as carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Polymer

A long chain composed of many similar or identical building blocks.

Monomer

Small, single molecules that can bind to other molecules to create polymers.

Dehydration synthesis reaction

A chemical reaction where a hydrogen atom from one molecule joins with a hydroxyl group ($OH^-$) to join monomers and polymers, requiring energy stored in covalent bonds and releasing water.

Hydrolysis reaction

A decomposition reaction involving the splitting of a covalent bond by using and splitting water, breaking polymers into monomers and releasing energy.