Chemistry of Life

Study for semester exams.

Macromolecule

A large biological molecule made of many smaller subunits. Examples: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids.

Monomer

A small building block molecule that bonds with others to form a polymer. Example: glucose is a monomer of carbohydrates.

Polymer

A large molecule made of repeating monomers linked together. Example: starch is a polymer of glucose.

Carbon

The main element of life because it can form four covalent bonds, allowing complex molecules.

dehydration synthesis (condensation)

A chemical reaction that builds polymers by removing water. Monomers join together.

hydrolysis

A chemical reaction that breaks polymers apart by adding water. Used during digestion.

organic compound

A compound that contains carbon and hydrogen. All biological macromolecules are organic.

Carbohydrates

quick energy + short term energy store, elements: C, H, O

monomer: monosaccharide (simple sugar)

polymer: polysaccharide

examples: glucose, starch, glycogen, cellulose

bonds: glycosidic bonds

Lipids

long term energy storage, insulation, membranes

ARE NOT TRUE POLYMERS

elements: C, H, O, (sometimes P)

building blocks: glycerol, fatty acids

key feature: hydrophobic = DO NOT mix with water

Proteins

structure, enzymes, transport, movement, signaling

elements: C, H, O, N (sometimes S)

monomer: amino acid

polymer: polypeptide (folded = protein)

bonds: peptide bonds

special protein: enzymes = speed up chemical reactions

Nucleic acids

main job: store and transmit genetic information

elements: C, H, O, N, P

monomer: nucleotide

polymer: DNA or RNA

examples: DNA- genetic blueprint. RNA - helps build proteins

What bond links monosaccharides together?

Glycosidic Bonds (covalent bond through dehydration reaction)

Monosaccharide

simple sugar (glucose)

peptide bond

bond between amino acids

Nucleotide

DNA/RNA monomer