Macromolecules Vocabulary Flashcards

Introduction to Macromolecules

Macromolecules are large structures that make up all living organisms.
All macromolecules have small subunits called monomers, which bind together to form larger units called polymers.
There are four major macromolecule classes: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Each class has distinct monomers, polymers, functions, and structural roles.

Carbohydrates are the main fuel source for most living things and also provide structural components for many plants.
Monomers: monosaccharides (saccharide means sugar; monosaccharides = one sugar).
- Examples: glucose, fructose, ribose.
Polymers: polysaccharides — long chains of monosaccharides.
Storage carbohydrates:
- Starch in plants.
- Glycogen in animals.
Structural carbohydrates:
- Cellulose in plants.
- Chitin in insects.
Key concepts:
- Monosaccharides are the basic building blocks; saccharide means sugar.
- Glycosidic bonds link monosaccharides in polysaccharides.

Lipids are a diverse group and are broadly hydrophobic (water-repelling).
Functions:
- Energy storage.
- Formation of cellular membranes.
- Steroid functions (hormones, etc.).
Monomers:
- Lipids do not have a single definitive monomer; they are a category of hydrophobic molecules.
Major lipid types mentioned:
- Fats (triglycerides): energy storage; can be saturated or unsaturated.
- Phospholipids: form cellular membranes.
- Steroids: include all sex hormones; derived from a cholesterol base.
Note: All of these are included under the umbrella of lipids.

Proteins are involved in nearly all cellular functions and constitute a major part of organisms.
Monomers: amino acids.
- There are 20 different amino acids.
Polymers: polypeptides.
Bonding of amino acids forms polypeptides.
Protein structure results from folding; structure determines function.
Significance: Proteins perform a wide range of tasks (enzymes, signaling, transport, structure, etc.).

Nucleic acids store, transmit, and express genetic information.
Monomers: nucleotides (e.g., adenine, guanine, thymine; note on RNA: uracil).
Polymers: polynucleotides (DNA and RNA).
You may be familiar with these terms from studying DNA and RNA.
The video references watching a more detailed video on DNA and RNA for more information.
Note on bases:
- The transcript lists "thiamine"; the correct base in DNA is thymine (T). Other bases include adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C). In RNA, thymine is replaced by uracil (U).

The author mentions the possibility of creating individual videos for each macromolecule and linking them if produced.
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Carbohydrates provide immediate energy and structural support in plants.
Lipids form the lipid bilayer of cellular membranes, influencing permeability and signaling; steroids serve as hormones.
Proteins execute catalytic, structural, transport, signaling, and regulatory roles across cells and tissues.
Nucleic acids store and implement genetic instructions for protein synthesis; DNA and RNA are central to heredity and gene expression.

Understanding macromolecules is essential to biology, nutrition, medicine, and health sciences.
The distinct properties of each class explain why certain nutrients are needed and how deficiencies or malfunctions can lead to disease.