Macromolecules

Carbohydrates: Sugars found in grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Monosaccharide: the monomer (building block) of carbohydrates

Polysaccharide: made up of multiple monosaccharides that form carbohydrates

Glucose: C6 H12 O6. Most common monosaccharide.

Cellulose: a carbohydrate used in the structure of plants. Its function is to provide support for the plant. When eaten, forms fiber. We cannot break it down for energy, and it is good for digestion.

Starch: A source of energy storage used in plants. Appears in long branched chains of glucose, and is broken down into glucose when eaten.

Chitin: A carbohydrate used in the exoskeletons/structure of animals.

Glycogen: A source of energy storage in animals, stored in the muscles. Used for short term energy storage.

Lipids: fats and oils found in plants and animals, used as a form of energy storage and insulation.

Glycerol and fatty acids: The two monomers of lipids.

Saturated fats: fatty acids that cannot add any more hydrogen. Forms single bonds between carbons, solid at room temperature, and found in animal fat. (eg. Butter)

Unsaturated fats: Fatty acids that include at least one double bonds and are missing some hydrogens. Creates bends in the molecule that causes fat to be a liquid (oil).

Triglyceride: A polymer of lipids made from one part glycerol and three parts fatty acids.

Phospholipids: Two hydrophobic fatty acid tails with a hydrophilic phosphate head. Builds cell membranes.

Proteins: Have many functions in living things, such as; structure, messenging, chemical transportation, and enzymes.

Amino Acids: the monomer of proteins.

Polypeptide: The polymers used to form proteins. Made from amino acids.

Denaturation: breaking down a protein when put under high temperatures (cooked).

Nucleotides: Monomers of nucleic acids. Made up of sugar, phosphate, and a nitrogenous base.

DNA and RNA: The two most common nucleic acids. Contain genetic information.

Carbohydrates are used as a source of quick energy, and have 4 calories per gram. The main source of energy for the cell is glucose. The brain requires carbohydrates/sugars to function.

Lipids are groups of organic compounds that are insoluble in water. They have 9 calories per gram, and are used for long term energy storage & insulation.

Structural proteins provide structure & support + help move our bodies. Messenger proteins like insulin and adrenaline send messages throughout the body. Transport proteins like hemoglobin transport chemicals throughout the body. Enzymes are catalysts used to speed up and enhance chemical reactions.

DNA, a double helix, contains the codes for genes and remains in the nucleus. RNA, a single stranded molecule, sends info out of the nucleus and helps to build proteins. Most nucleic acids are produced/found in the nucleus.