Organic Molecules, Polymers and Macromolecules

Flashcards covering key concepts from organic molecules, polymers, and macromolecules.

Organic Chemistry

The study of carbon compounds, focusing on any compound with carbon.

Molecule

Any group of 2 or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.

Compounds

Molecules specifically made up of 2 or more different types of atoms.

Valence of Hydrogen

1

Valence of Oxygen

2

Valence of Nitrogen

3

Valence of Carbon

4 (tetravalent)

Macromolecule

A large organic molecule that ranges from about 1,000 to 2,000,000 Daltons.

Polymer

A large molecule consisting of many identical or similar monomers linked together.

Monomer

The submit or building block of a polymer.

Lipid

Not a polymer; grouped based on similar chemical properties.

Polymerization

Chemical reactions linking 2 or more small molecules to form a larger molecule with repeating structural units.

Dehydration Reaction

A reaction in which 2 molecules become covalently bound through the loss of a water molecule.

Hydrolysis

A reaction where the bonds between monomers are broken by the addition of water.

Glycosidic Bonds

Covalent bonds that link monosaccharides together in polysaccharides.