Unit 3

Biomolecules (macromolecules)

Large molecules that are essential for life, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates

Biomolecules that serve as a source of energy for organisms and play a structural role in plants, fungi, and bacteria.

Proteins

Biomolecules made up of amino acids that carry out various functions in the body, including enzymatic reactions and structural support.

Nucleic Acids

Biomolecules, such as DNA and RNA, that store and transmit genetic information.

Dehydration RXN (condensation)

A chemical reaction in which two molecules combine to form a larger molecule, releasing a water molecule in the process.

Hydrolysis RXN

A chemical reaction in which a large molecule is broken down into smaller molecules by the addition of water.

Enzymes

Proteins that facilitate chemical reactions in the body, including hydrolytic enzymes that break down polymers using water.

Carbohydrates

Biomolecules with the empirical formula CH2O, consisting of monosaccharide monomers.

Glucose

A monosaccharide and the primary source of energy for cells.

Polysaccharide

A polymer made up of many monosaccharide units, such as starch, glycogen, chitin, and cellulose.

Cellulose

A polysaccharide made up of beta-glucose units, providing strength and rigidity to plant cell walls.

Proteins

Biomolecules composed of amino acids that perform various functions in the body.

Amino acids

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

Primary structure

The sequence of amino acids in a protein.

Secondary structure

The folding of the protein chain into alpha-helices or beta-pleated sheets, stabilized by hydrogen bonds.

Tertiary structure

The further folding and twisting of the protein chain, stabilized by various intra-molecular forces.

Quaternary structure

The arrangement of multiple protein subunits to form a functional protein complex.

Denaturation

The loss of protein structure and function due to factors such as pH, temperature, pressure, or salt concentration.

Nucleic acids

Biomolecules, including DNA and RNA, that store and transmit genetic information.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from DNA in the nucleus.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins from RNA in the cytoplasm.

Triglycerides

Lipids composed of glycerol and three fatty acids, used for energy storage.

Saturated triglycerides

Triglycerides in which all three fatty acids have only single bonds.

Monounsaturated triglycerides

Triglycerides with one double bond in one of the fatty acids, making it liquid at room temperature.

Polyunsaturated triglycerides

Triglycerides with two or more double bonds, which can be on the same fatty acid.

Vitamins

Special chemicals needed for proper metabolism, with nonpolar vitamins being stored in adipose tissue.

Phospholipids

Lipids that make up cell membranes, consisting of glycerol, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group.

Steroids

Lipids that play a role in hormone production and membrane stability, with cholesterol being a common component.

Waxes

Lipids used for defense, composed of long-chained alcohol and long-chained fatty acid.