Biomolecules Lecture Notes

Flashcards about Biomolecules

The smallest particle of an element.

What is an atom?

An element that constitutes more than 99% of the matter found in living things.

What is a bioelement?

Essential building blocks of living things, also considered macromolecules.

What are biomolecules?

A small molecule, a repetitive unit that forms a larger compound.

What is a monomer?

A long chain molecule made up of a repeated pattern of monomers.

What is a polymer?

Provide a quick energy supply.

What is the function of carbohydrates?

Sugars.

What are carbohydrates commonly known as?

Collective name for sugars (Greek: sakcharon = sugar).

What are saccharides?

Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O).

What elements make up carbohydrates?

Simple carbohydrates with 1 sugar unit (glucose, fructose, galactose).

What are monosaccharides?

Simple carbohydrates formed via glycosidic bonds between 2 monosaccharides (e.g., lactose, maltose, sucrose).

What are disaccharides?

Complex carbohydrates with 2-10 sugar units.

What are oligosaccharides?

Complex carbohydrates with more than 10 sugar units (e.g., starch, cellulose, glycogen).

What are polysaccharides?

Monosaccharides (1 sugar unit).

What is the monomer of carbohydrates?

Polysaccharides (more than 10 sugar units) and Oligosaccharides (2-10 sugar units).

What is the polymer of carbohydrates?

Polymers of amino acids, arranged in chains called polypeptides.

What are proteins?

Structural roles, enzymes, muscle movement, and immunity.

What are the functions of proteins?

C, H, O, Nitrogen (N), Sulfur (S).

What elements make up proteins?

Amino acids.

What is the monomer of proteins?

Protein, also called polypeptides.

What is the polymer of proteins?

Energy storage, protective layers, and regulators of cell activity.

What are the functions of lipids?

All lipids are hydrophobic (don’t dissolve in water).

What is a key characteristic of lipids?

C, H, O, Phosphorus(P), S (lipids can

What elements make up lipids?