Macromolecules - Chapter 3.2

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts about macromolecules from the notes.

Macromolecules

Large organic molecules essential to life; include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates

Sugars and their polymers; provide a source of energy for cells; formed from simple sugar units.

Lipids

Hydrophobic molecules that store energy, form cellular membranes, and can function as hormones.

Proteins

Macromolecules made of amino acids; perform a wide range of cellular functions.

Nucleic Acids

Molecules that store and transmit genetic information; DNA and RNA are the main types.

Amino Acids

Subunits of proteins; about 20 standard amino acids in humans; linked by peptide bonds; share a common N-C-C backbone; R-groups confer unique properties.

Peptide Bond

A covalent bond linking amino acids; forms a polypeptide chain; the order of amino acids determines protein shape and function.

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds; makes up the primary structure of proteins.

Primary Structure

The linear sequence of amino acids in a protein; determined by DNA; mutations can have large effects (e.g., sickle cell anemia Glu→Val).

Secondary Structure

Localized folding patterns like alpha helices and beta sheets; stabilized by hydrogen bonds.

Tertiary Structure

Overall 3D folding of a single polypeptide due to interactions among side chains and with water.

Quaternary Structure

Arrangement of multiple protein subunits into a functional complex (e.g., collagen, hemoglobin).

Conformation

The 3D shape of a protein that enables it to function and interact with other molecules; often self-stabilizing.

Native Conformation

The functional 3D structure a protein assumes under physiological conditions.

Monomer

A building block that can join with others to form polymers; in proteins, amino acids; in nucleic acids, nucleotides.

Nucleotides

Monomer units of nucleic acids; consist of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Sugar (Nucleotides)

The sugar in nucleotides: deoxyribose in DNA and ribose in RNA.

Backbone

The sugar–phosphate chain that forms the repeating framework of nucleic acids.

Nitrogenous Bases

Adenine, Cytosine, Guanine, and in DNA Thymine; in RNA, Uracil replaces Thymine.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

Contains coded information for making proteins; directs replication; present in all cells.

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

Makes proteins; single-stranded; three types: mRNA, tRNA, rRNA.

mRNA

Messenger RNA; carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.

tRNA

Transfer RNA; brings amino acids to ribosomes during translation.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA; structural and catalytic component of ribosomes.