Polymers and Lipids Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts about polymers, carbohydrates, lipids, and their functions, as outlined in the lecture notes.

Polymer

Chains made of building blocks linked by covalent bonds.

What are the 4 types of polymers?

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids.

Polymer synthesis

Condensation (dehydration) reaction.

Polymer breakdown

Hydrolysis (addition of water) reaction.

Monomers of carbohydrates

Monosaccharides.

Examples of monosaccharides

Ribose, glucose, deoxyribose.

Examples of disaccharides

Sucrose, lactose.

Examples of polysaccharides

Starch, cellulose, glycogen, chitin.

Function of carbohydrates

Energy input and storage; structural molecules.

Monomers of lipids

Fatty acids.

What group is attached to fatty acids that makes them acidic?

COOH.

Examples of lipids

Fats, waxes, steroids, phospholipids.

Phospholipids

Amphipathic molecules with a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic fatty acid tails.

Function of lipids

Energy reserve and thermal insulation.

Saturated fats

Have straight chains, are semi-solid, and are saturated with hydrogen atoms.

Examples of saturated fats

Butter, ghee.

Unsaturated fats

Have bent chains, are liquid, and contain double/triple bonds between carbon atoms.

Examples of unsaturated fats

Olive oil, vegetable oil, nuts.