Biomolecules

macromolecule

large molecule formed by joining smaller organic molecules together, usually by dehydration synthesis reaction

monomer

small molecular unit that is the building block of a larger molecule

polymer

large molecule formed when many smaller molecules bond together

carbohydrate

a class of biomolecules that includes sugars, starches, and fiber; contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; key source of energy

monosaccharide

A single sugar molecule such as glucose or fructose, the simplest type of sugar; monomer of complex carbohydrates

disaccharide

A sugar formed from two monosaccharides joined by dehydration synthesis

polysaccharide

large macromolecule formed from a long chain of monosaccharides

proteins

a class of biomolecules that contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen; made up of amino acids; make structure of cell membranes, needed for repair and growth; includes enzymes

amino acid

monomer that makes up proteins; contains carboxyl and amino functional groups

R groups

groups that give different amino acids different properties

lipid

a class of biomolecules insoluble in water and usually made up of fatty acids; make up cell membranes; used by cells for long-term energy storage; examples are fats, oils, waxes, and steroids

saturated fat

a lipid made from fatty acids that have no double bonds between carbon atoms; solid at room temperature; examples are butter, and animal fat

unsaturated fat

A lipid made from fatty acids that have at least one double bond between carbon atoms; liquid at room temperature; examples are vegetable oils

nucleic acid

a class of biomolecles made up of one or two chains of nucleotides; includes either RNA or DNA that carry genetic information

nucleotide

monomer of nucleic acids made up of a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base

ATP

(adenosine triphosphate) main energy source that cells use for most of their work

Dehydration synthesis

process where water is removed to put 2 smaller molecules together

Hydrolysis

Breaking down complex molecules by the addition of water; it is essential for digestion

steroid

Lipid with a backbone of four fused carbon rings. Ex. Cholesterol, testosterone, estrogen.

cholesterol

steroid molecule present in the plasma membrane of animal cells. It may clog the arteries causing arteriosclerosis and heart disease