Biological Macromolecules

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts and definitions related to biological macromolecules.

Macromolecule

Large molecules necessary for life, primarily made of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur.

Dehydration Synthesis

A chemical reaction where monomers are linked by removing a water molecule.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction where molecules are broken down by adding water.

Carbohydrates

Polymers of sugar monomers that can store energy or have structural functions.

Lipid

Nonpolar macromolecules that function in energy storage, cell membranes, and insulation.

Saturated Fatty Acid

Fatty acids with the maximum number of C-H single bonds, solid at room temperature.

Unsaturated Fatty Acid

Fatty acids with at least one C-C double bond, liquid at room temperature.

Steroid

Relatively flat, nonpolar molecules, many of which are modified cholesterol.

Nucleic Acids

Polymers of nucleotides that carry genetic information.

Protein

Polymers of amino acids that function in various biological roles, including enzyme catalysis and cell signaling.

Primary Structure

The order of amino acids in a polypeptide chain that determines the protein's function.

Tertiary Structure

The three-dimensional folded shape of a protein determined by interactions between R-groups.

Quaternary Structure

The structure of a protein formed by multiple polypeptide chains functioning together.

Nucleotide

Monomer of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a double-stranded helix that holds genetic information.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a single-stranded molecule involved in protein synthesis.

Antiparallel Structure of DNA

The orientation of the two strands of DNA, where they run in opposite directions.