Biological Macromolecules Homework

Vocabulary terms and definitions related to Biological Macromolecules.

Monosaccharide

A single sugar molecule, such as glucose, that is the simplest form of carbohydrates.

Disaccharide

A carbohydrate composed of two monosaccharides linked by a glycosidic bond, such as sucrose.

Polysaccharide

A carbohydrate that consists of a chain of three or more monosaccharides, such as starch or glycogen.

Peptide bond

A covalent bond that links two amino acids together, forming a dipeptide.

Amino Acid

The building blocks of proteins, consisting of an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a side chain ('R' group).

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, which folds into a functional protein.

Protein

A large biomolecule composed of one or more polypeptides that perform various functions in the body.

Primary Structure

The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Secondary Structure

The localized folding of the polypeptide into structures such as alpha helices and beta sheets, stabilized by hydrogen bonds.

Tertiary Structure

The overall 3D shape of a polypeptide, determined by interactions among the side chains (R groups).

Quaternary Structure

The structure formed when two or more polypeptide chains aggregate into a single functional unit.

Glycerol

A three-carbon alcohol that forms the backbone of triglycerides and phospholipids.

Fatty Acid

A long hydrocarbon chain with a carboxylic acid group, used to build lipids.

Nucleotide

The building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a pentose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Nucleic Acid

A polymer made up of nucleotide monomers; includes DNA and RNA.

Polymerization

The process of linking monomers together to form a polymer.

Dehydration Synthesis

A chemical reaction that links monomers by removing water, forming covalent bonds between them.