Macromolecules

Macromolecules

Large, complex molecules that are fundamental components of all living organisms, composed of smaller units called monomers.

Organic Compounds

Compounds that contain carbon atoms; all macromolecules are organic.

Carbon

The central element in organic chemistry, capable of forming four covalent bonds.

Structure Begets Function

The assembly of monomers into polymers affects the structure and function of macromolecules.

Directionality

The orientation of monomers in a polymer influences the properties and function of the macromolecule.

Carbohydrates

Macromolecules made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with monosaccharides as monomers.

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars that serve as the monomers for carbohydrates (e.g., glucose).

Polysaccharides

Polymers of carbohydrates that serve functions like energy storage and structural support.

Glycogen

A polysaccharide found in animals, stored in the liver and muscles for energy.

Starch

A plant polysaccharide that can coil and branch, making it efficient for energy storage.

Cellulose

A structural polysaccharide found in plant cell walls, made of beta glucose.

Chitin

A structural polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans.

Glycosidic Linkage

The bond formed between monosaccharides through dehydration synthesis.

Proteins

Macromolecules made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, with amino acids as monomers.

Amino Acids

The 20 different types of monomers that make up proteins.

Peptide Bond

The bond formed between amino acids through dehydration synthesis.

Primary Structure

The sequence of amino acids in a protein.

Secondary Structure

The formation of alpha-helices and beta-pleated sheets through hydrogen bonding.

Tertiary Structure

The 3D shape of a protein formed by interactions between R groups.

Quaternary Structure

The interaction of multiple polypeptide chains to form a functional protein.

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecules made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus, with nucleotides as monomers.

Nucleotides

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

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a polymer of nucleotides that stores genetic information.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a single-stranded polymer of nucleotides involved in genetic expression.

Phosphodiester Bond

The bond that links nucleotides together in nucleic acids.

Lipids

Macromolecules made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, characterized by their hydrophobic nature.

Triglycerides

Lipids composed of one glycerol molecule and three fatty acids.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids with no double bonds, solid at room temperature.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids with one or more double bonds, liquid at room temperature.

Phospholipids

Lipids with a glycerol backbone, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group, forming cell membranes.

Steroids

Lipids with a structure of four fused carbon rings, including hormones and cholesterol.

Waxes

Long-chain fatty acids esterified to long-chain alcohols, providing protective coatings.

Ester Bond

The bond formed between glycerol and fatty acids in lipids.

Dehydration Synthesis

A reaction that joins monomers into polymers by removing a water molecule.

Hydrolysis

A reaction that breaks polymers into monomers by adding a water molecule.