macromolecules teas

alpha helix

a secondary structure of proteins where the polypeptide chain coils into a spiral, stabilized by hydrogen bonds within the same chain

beta sheet

a secondary structure of proteins formed when polypeptide strands align side-by-side into a pleated sheet, stabilized by hydrogen bonds between adjacent strands. Side chains alternate above and below the sheet.

carbohydrate

organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. They serve as a primary source of energy for living organisms and are classified into three main types: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides

dehydration

refers to the process of joining monomers together to form a polymer while simultaneously releasing a water molecule as a byproduct; also known as condensation

enzyme

specialized proteins that act as catalysts un biological reactions, facilitating and speeding up these reactions without being consumed or permanently altered in the process

hydrolysis

the process of breaking down polymers into their constituent monomers by the addition of a water molecule

lipid

a diverse group of organic compounds that are insoluble in water but soluble in nonpolar solvents. They play essential roles in energy storage, insulation, cushioning, and as structural components of cell membranes, and include molecules such as fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids

macromolecules

a large and complex molecule composed of smaller subunits called monomers.

nucleic acid

macromolecules that are crucial for storing, transmitting, and expressing genetic information in living organisms. They are composed of nucleotide subunits and come in two primary forms: DNA and RNA

polymer

large macromolecule made up of repeating subunits called monomers, connected through chemical bonds

protein

large molecules made up of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds

mRNA

carries the genetic instructions from DNA to the protein-making machinery in the cell

tRNA

brings amino acids to the ribosomes during protein synthesis

rRNA

crucial component of ribosomes, the cellular machinery where proteins are assembled