Molecules of Life: Classification, Carbohydrates, and Lipids

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to macromolecules, carbohydrates, lipids, and their classifications.

Macromolecule

A long molecule typically made up of repeating units (monomers) that form polymers.

Polymer

A long molecule consisting of many similar or identical blocks known as monomers.

Dehydration reaction

A chemical reaction that links monomers together by removing water.

Hydrolysis

A process that disassembles polymers into monomers by adding water.

Monosaccharide

The simplest form of carbohydrates, serving as the building blocks of more complex carbohydrates.

Glycosidic linkage

A type of bond that links monosaccharides to form disaccharides and polysaccharides.

Disaccharide

A sugar formed from two monosaccharides linked by a glycosidic bond.

Polysaccharide

A carbohydrate molecule composed of long chains of monosaccharide units.

Saturated fat

A type of fat that has no double bonds between carbon atoms, making it solid at room temperature.

Unsaturated fat

A fat that contains one or more double bonds in its fatty acid chains, making it liquid at room temperature.

Phospholipid

A lipid containing a phosphate group in its molecule, essential for forming cell membranes.

Steroid

A class of lipids characterized by four fused carbon rings, important for signaling and structural functions.

Cellulose

A polysaccharide that serves as a structural component of plant cell walls.

Chitin

A structural polysaccharide that forms the exoskeleton of arthropods and found in fungal cell walls.

Triacylglycerol

A type of lipid or fat made up of glycerol and three fatty acids, primarily for energy storage.