Biological Macromolecules and Enzymes

These flashcards cover the vocabulary related to biological macromolecules and enzymes, including definitions of key terms and concepts.

Monomer

A small, simple molecule that can combine with other monomers to form a polymer.

Polymer

A large molecule composed of repeating structural units (monomers) connected by covalent bonds.

Macromolecule

A large, complex molecule, such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically with a ratio of 1:2:1, and serve as energy sources and structural components.

Proteins

Large macromolecules made of amino acids that perform a wide range of functions within organisms.

Lipids

Hydrophobic molecules, including fats and oils, that are insoluble in water and serve as long-term energy storage.

Nucleic acids

Polymers made up of nucleotides that store and transmit genetic information; the two major types are DNA and RNA.

Monosaccharide

The simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of a single sugar molecule, such as glucose.

Denature

The process by which a protein loses its natural structure and function due to external factors like heat or pH.

Starch

A polysaccharide carbohydrate that serves as a storage form of energy in plants.

Glucose

A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms and a component of many carbohydrates.

Amino acids

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

Nucleotides

The basic building blocks of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Fatty acids

Carboxylic acids with long hydrocarbon chains, which are key components of lipids.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that speed up biochemical reactions by lowering the activation energy.

Products

The substances produced as a result of a biochemical reaction.

Substrate

The reactant molecule upon which an enzyme acts.

Active site

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

Catalyst

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.

Dehydration synthesis

A chemical reaction in which two molecules bond to form one larger molecule with the release of water.

Activation energy

The minimum amount of energy required to initiate a chemical reaction.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction that breaks down a compound by adding water.

Reactants

The starting materials in a chemical reaction.