Macromolecules

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to macromolecules, focusing on their definitions and functions to aid in understanding and preparing for the exam.

Macromolecule

Large molecules, typically composed of thousands of atoms, essential for life, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Monomer

The basic building block of macromolecules; a single unit, such as an amino acid in proteins.

Polymer

A large molecule made up of repeating monomers; examples include starches, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, primarily used for energy.

Monosaccharide

The simplest form of carbohydrates; single sugar molecules like glucose and fructose.

Disaccharide

A carbohydrate formed from two monosaccharides, such as sucrose (glucose + fructose).

Polysaccharide

Carbohydrates made up of many monosaccharides linked together, such as starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

Lipid

A group of organic compounds that are insoluble in water, including fats, oils, waxes, and steroids.

Phospholipid

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

Protein

Macromolecules composed of amino acids that perform a vast array of functions within living organisms.

Amino Acid

The building blocks of proteins, consisting of an amino group, carboxyl group, and unique side chain.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction that breaks down a compound by adding water, commonly used to digest macromolecules.

Dehydration Synthesis

A chemical reaction that connects two molecules by removing water, used to form larger macromolecules.

Glycogen

A polysaccharide that serves as a form of energy storage in animals, especially in liver and muscle cells.

Cellulose

A structural polysaccharide found in plant cell walls, made from beta-glucose units.

Chitin

A polysaccharide that forms the exoskeleton of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi.

Enzyme

Proteins that act as catalysts to speed up biochemical reactions by lowering activation energy.

Active Site

The specific region of an enzyme where the substrate binds and the reaction occurs.

Triglyceride

A type of lipid made from one glycerol and three fatty acids; the main form of stored energy in fat.

Denaturation

The process in which a protein loses its native shape due to heat, pH changes, or other factors, affecting its function.