Biological Macromolecules

These flashcards cover the key concepts of biological macromolecules, including the importance of carbon, the structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and the processes of polymerization and protein folding.

What is the biological importance of carbon in macromolecules?

Carbon forms large molecules, serves as functional groups, and supports the formation of polymers by linking monomers.

What are monomers?

Monomers are identical or similar building blocks that link to form polymers.

What is the process of polymerization?

Polymerization is the process of linking monomers together to form a polymer.

What is a dehydration reaction?

A dehydration reaction is a process that synthesizes a polymer by removing a water molecule and forming a new bond.

What role do enzymes play in polymerization?

Enzymes facilitate the dehydration and hydrolysis reactions necessary for polymer synthesis and breakdown.

What are carbohydrates made of?

Carbohydrates are organic molecules made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically following the formula CH2O.

What are monosaccharides?

Monosaccharides are simple sugars that serve as the monomers of carbohydrates.

What is the role of polysaccharides in living cells?

Polysaccharides serve as energy storage (e.g., starch, glycogen) and structural components (e.g., cellulose, chitin).

What is the structure of a phospholipid?

Phospholipids consist of a glycerol, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group, making them amphipathic with hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.

What defines a lipid?

Lipids are diverse hydrophobic molecules that do not dissolve in water and are often involved in storage and signaling functions.

What are amino acids?

Amino acids are the monomers that link together to form polypeptides and ultimately proteins.

What are peptide bonds?

Peptide bonds are covalent bonds formed between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another amino acid.

What are the four levels of protein structure?

The four levels of protein structure are primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.

What is the significance of protein folding?

Protein folding determines the functional shape of the protein, and misfolding can lead to loss of function.

How does temperature affect protein structure?

High temperatures can cause proteins to unfold and lose their functional shape.