Macromolecules of the Cell

These flashcards cover the key concepts related to macromolecules, their types, structures, functions, and roles in biological systems as outlined in the lecture notes.

Macromolecules

Large organic molecules essential for life, including proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Polymerization

The process that joins smaller units called monomers via covalent bonds to form macromolecules.

Covalent bonds

Strong chemical bonds formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Proteins

Macromolecules composed of amino acid subunits that fold into specific three-dimensional shapes.

Amino Acids

The building blocks of proteins, linked together by peptide bonds.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as catalysts to accelerate biochemical reactions.

Nucleic Acids

Polymers made of nucleotides; includes DNA and RNA.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; stores hereditary information in nucleotide sequences.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid; involved in protein synthesis and some have catalytic functions.

Carbohydrates

Organic molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; include sugars and starches.

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars, the basic building blocks of carbohydrates (e.g., glucose, fructose).

Disaccharides

Carbohydrates composed of two monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds.

Polysaccharides

Long chains of monosaccharides that serve as energy storage and structural components.

Lipids

A diverse group of hydrophobic molecules, including fats and steroids, that store energy and play roles in signaling.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak attractions between molecules or parts of molecules that are close together.

Signaling Proteins

Proteins that play crucial roles in cellular communication and regulatory pathways.

Fibrous Proteins

Proteins that have long, extended structures and are often structural components (e.g., collagen).

Globular Proteins

Proteins that fold into compact, spherical shapes, often functioning enzymatically (e.g., hemoglobin).

Glycosidic Bonds

Covalent bonds that link monosaccharides to form disaccharides and polysaccharides.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures composed of RNA and proteins, essential for protein synthesis.

Sites of Enzyme Action

Specific locations where enzymes interact with substrates to catalyze reactions.