Biological Macromolecules Overview

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to biological macromolecules, focusing on synthesis, types, and functions of macromolecules.

biological macromolecule

Large molecules necessary for life that are built from smaller organic molecules.

macromolecule synthesis

The process by which monomers combine to form polymers, typically involving dehydration synthesis.

dehydration synthesis

A reaction that links monomers together, releasing water as a byproduct.

hydrolysis

A reaction that breaks down polymers into monomers, utilizing water.

monomer

The smallest unit that can join together to form polymers.

polymer

A large molecule composed of many repeated subunits (monomers).

carbohydrates

A class of macromolecules that are primarily energy sources and structural components in cells.

lipids

A diverse group of hydrophobic macromolecules that include fats, oils, and steroids.

proteins

Macromolecules made of amino acids that perform various functions in cells.

nucleic acids

Biological macromolecules that carry the genetic blueprint of a cell, including DNA and RNA.

disaccharide

A carbohydrate composed of two monosaccharides bonded together.

polysaccharide

A carbohydrate consisting of a long chain of monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds.

glycosidic bond

A covalent bond that forms between two monosaccharides during a dehydration reaction.

triacylglycerol

A fat molecule consisting of three fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone.

saturated fatty acid

A fatty acid with no double bonds between carbon atoms, fully saturated with hydrogen.

unsaturated fatty acid

A fatty acid that contains one or more double bonds in its hydrocarbon chain.

phospholipid

A lipid consisting of two fatty acids and a phosphate group attached to glycerol, making up the cell membrane.

steroid

A type of lipid characterized by a fused ring structure.

amino acid

The building block of proteins, composed of an amino group, a carboxyl group, and an R group.

peptide bond

A covalent bond formed between amino acids during protein synthesis.

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

The genetic material of living organisms; it has a double-helix structure.

RNA (ribonucleic acid)

A single-stranded nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis and gene regulation.

enzyme

A protein that acts as a catalyst in biochemical reactions.

catabolic enzyme

An enzyme that aids in the breakdown of larger molecules into smaller units.

anabolic enzyme

An enzyme that assists in building complex molecules from simpler ones.

cellulose

A polysaccharide that forms the structural component of plant cell walls.

chitin

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

hydrophobic

The characteristic of a molecule that repels water due to nonpolar bonds.

hydrophilic

The characteristic of a molecule that attracts water due to polar bonds.