Biology Macromolecules: Structure, Function, and Reactions

Monomer

Small molecule that can bond to similar molecules to form a polymer.

Polymer

Large molecule made of repeating monomers.

Dehydration synthesis

Reaction where water is removed to build polymers.

Hydrolysis

Reaction where water is added to break polymers apart.

Monomers of carbohydrates

Monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, galactose).

Polymers of carbohydrates

Polysaccharides (starch, glycogen, cellulose).

Examples of disaccharides

Sucrose, lactose, maltose.

Function of carbohydrates

Quick energy; some structural support in plants.

Monomers of lipids

Glycerol + fatty acids.

Polymers of lipids

Triglycerides, phospholipids, steroids.

Functions of lipids

Long-term energy storage, insulation, membrane structure, hormones.

Monomers of proteins

Amino acids.

Polymer of proteins

Polypeptide / protein.

Bond between amino acids

Peptide bond.

Functions of proteins

Structure, energy, Enzymes, receive messages, antibodies, transport, signaling

Monomer of nucleic acids

Nucleotide.

Polymer of nucleic acids

DNA, RNA.

Function of nucleic acids

Store and transmit genetic information.

Example of enzyme

Amylase — breaks starch into simple sugars.

What macromolecule enzymes belong to

Proteins.

What reaction builds polymers

Dehydration synthesis.

What reaction breaks polymers

Hydrolysis.

Elements in carbohydrates

C, H, O.

Elements in lipids

C, H, O.

Elements in proteins

C, H, O, N (sometimes S).

Elements in nucleic acids

C, H, O, N, P.

What is the main function of starch?

Energy storage in plants.

What is the main function of glycogen?

Energy storage in animals.

What is the main function of cellulose?

Structure in plant cell walls.

Which macromolecules form cell membranes?

Lipids (phospholipids).

Which macromolecule has the most variety of functions?

Proteins.