biomolecules

macromolecule

A large molecule that has an important structural or functional role in cells.

polymer

A large molecule built up from linking smaller molecules together in a repeating pattern.

monomer

A small molecule that is a building block for polymers.

carbohydrates

A group of compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; important as structural components and as energy sources.

monosaccharide

A simple sugar, such as glucose, which cannot be broken down into smaller sugar molecules.

polysaccharide

A complex carbohydrate that is made by linking together simple sugars.

cellulose

A polysaccharide made of b-glucose subunits that is the main component of plant cell walls.

starch

An important energy-storing polysaccharide for plants, made of α-glucose with some branching.

glycogen

An important energy-storing polysaccharide in animals, made of α-glucose with extensive branching.

polypeptide

A polymer of amino acids, also known as a protein.

amino acid

A nitrogen-containing compound that is the building block of proteins.

R group

A side chain in a molecule that confers distinguishing properties to the molecule; differentiates the 20 different kinds of amino acids.

fatty acid

A type of organic acid that combines with glycerol to form a triglyceride.

glycerol

A molecule that combines with three fatty acids to form a triglyceride.

saturated

Referring to an organic molecule that only has single bonds between its carbons.

unsaturated

Referring to an organic molecule that has at least one double bond along its carbon chain.