Chemistry of Life 26

Monomer

A small, single molecular subunit that can bind to other similar molecules to form a larger complex polymers.

Polymer

A large molecule composed of many repeating, chemically bonded monomers.

Dehydration Synthesis

A chemical reaction that covalently links monomers together into polymers by removing a molecule of $H_2O$.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction that breaks the chemical bonds in a polymer to release monomers by adding a molecule of $H_2O$.

Monosaccharide

The single-sugar monomer that serves as the building block for complex carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates

Macromolecules composed of monosaccharides that serve as the body's primary source of quick cellular energy and structural support.

Glycerol and Fatty Acids

The primary structural building blocks that combine to form triglycerides and phospholipids.

Lipids

Nonpolar macromolecules that function in long-term energy storage, insulation, forming cell membranes, and hormonal messaging.

Amino Acid

The monomer subunit of proteins, containing an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a variable R-group.

Proteins

Macromolecules composed of amino acid chains that carry out cellular work, including speeding up reactions as enzymes, transport, and structural support.

Nucleotide

The monomer of nucleic acids, consisting of a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecules, such as DNA and RNA, that store and transmit genetic code to direct protein synthesis within organisms.

organic molecule

a molecule primarily made of carbon, often containing hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements, crucial for life.

metabolism

The set of chemical reactions that occur within a cell to maintain life, including processes that break down organic molecules for energy and use them to build cellular structures.

examples of carbohydrates

include sugars like glucose, fructose, and polysaccharides like starch and cellulose.

examples of lipids

include fats, oils, waxes, and phospholipids, which are key components of cell membranes.

examples of proteins

include enzymes, antibodies, and structural proteins like collagen and keratin.

examples of nucleic acids

include DNA and RNA, which store and transmit genetic information.

foods that contain carbohydrates

include fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes that provide energy and essential nutrients.

foods that contain lipids

include oils, butter, nuts, and fatty fish that provide energy and support cell function.

foods that contain protein

include meat, dairy, legumes, and nuts that are essential for tissue repair and growth.

enzyme

Proteins that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in living organisms.

activation energy

the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. higher = slower reaction

substrate

the substance upon which an enzyme acts in a biochemical reaction.

product

The substance or molecule produced at the completion of a chemical reaction.