Chemical Level of Organization and Macromolecules

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the chemical level of organization and macromolecules based on the provided lecture notes.

Macromolecules

Large molecules made up of monomer subunits, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Monomer

A molecule that can join together with other identical molecules to form a polymer.

Organic Compounds

Compounds that always contain carbon and hydrogen, such as sugars, fats, and proteins.

Inorganic Compounds

Compounds that typically do not contain carbon and hydrogen, including water and salts.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with a general formula of C_n(H_2O)_n, serving as important energy sources.

Polysaccharide

A complex carbohydrate made up of many monosaccharides linked together, such as starch and glycogen.

Protein

A macromolecule composed of amino acids that plays various roles in the body, including structural support and enzyme catalysis.

Lipids

Hydrophobic organic molecules including fats, oils, and waxes, composed mainly of fatty acids.

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecules that store and transfer genetic information, composed of nucleotides, including DNA and RNA.

Amino Acids

The building blocks of proteins, consisting of central carbon, an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a variable R group.

Triglycerides

A type of lipid formed from one glycerol and three fatty acids, used for energy storage.

Steroids

A class of lipids characterized by a carbon skeleton with four fused rings, serving as chemical messengers.

Eicosanoids

Biologically active lipids that act as signaling molecules, involved in inflammatory responses.

Hydrophobic

Substances that repel water, not easily interacting with it, like lipids.

Hydrophilic

Substances that easily interact with water, such as sugars and salts.

Dehydration Synthesis

A chemical process that links monomers together by removing water, forming polymers.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction that breaks down polymers into monomers by adding water.

Cholesterol

A type of steroid that is a vital component of cell membranes and a precursor for sex hormones.

Glucose

A monosaccharide or simple sugar that is a primary energy source for living organisms.

Disaccharide

A carbohydrate composed of two monosaccharides linked together, such as sucrose.