biomolecules

    Cards (85)

    • Four major classes of macromolecules
      • Carbohydrates
      • Lipids
      • Proteins
      • Nucleic Acids
    • chemical reactions involving macromolecules are catalyzed by enzymes
    • carbohydrate enzymes
      • amylase
      • sucrase
      • lactase
      • maltase
    • lipid enzymes
      • lipases
    • protein enzymes
      • pepsin
      • peptidases
    • nucleic acid enzymes
      • DNAase
      • RNAase
      • Dehydration synthesis (also known as condensation) – e.g. two molecules of glucose are linked to form the disaccharide maltose
      • A water molecule is formed as the two monosaccharides are linked by a covalent bond
      • Dehydration reactions form new bonds/require energy
      • Hydrolysis – process of breaking polymers down into individual monomers – also known as a hydration reaction
      • Water serves as a reactant here; one monomer receives a H+ and the other monomer receives an OH
    • carbohydrates
      • presented by the general formula (CH2O)n
      • Ratio of Carbon:Hydrogen:Oxygen is 1:2:1
      • Monomers are called monosaccharides, dimers are called disaccharides – more than that and we call them polysaccharides
    • carbohydrate functions
      • Energy – long storage & short term
      • Structure – mostly in plants, cellulose
      • source of carbon for other biomolecules
      • protection
    • monosaccharides
      • Monosaccharides usually have 3-7 carbons
      • End with the suffix –ose
      • Contain a carbonyl group C=O
      • Five- and six-carbon monosaccharides exist in equilibrium between linear and ring forms
      • Structural isomers – same formula, different properties/sources
      • e.g. glucose, galactose & fructose all have C6H12O6
    • What are the four major classes of macromolecules?
      Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids
    • What do organic molecules contain?
      All contain carbon
    • What are macromolecules made of?
      Monomers linked into polymers
    • How are macromolecules broken down?
      By specific enzymes for each class
    • Which enzyme breaks down carbohydrates?
      Amylase
    • What is dehydration synthesis?
      Linking molecules while forming water
    • What happens during hydrolysis reactions?
      Polymers are broken down into monomers
    • What is the general formula for carbohydrates?
      CnH2nOn
    • What is the ratio of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in carbohydrates?
      1. 2:1
    • What are monosaccharides?
      Monomers of carbohydrates
    • What suffix do monosaccharides typically end with?
      • ose
    • What is a glycosidic bond?
      Bond formed between two monosaccharides
    • What are disaccharides?
      Two monosaccharides linked together
    • What is the process of forming disaccharides called?
      Dehydration synthesis
    • What is the molecular weight of polysaccharides?
      Could be >10,000 daltons
    • What are lipids characterized by?
      Non-polar hydrocarbons
    • What are the functions of lipids?
      Protection, waterproofing, energy, insulation
    • What are fatty acids composed of?
      Glycerol and fatty acids
    • What distinguishes saturated fatty acids from unsaturated ones?
      Saturated have no C=C bonds
    • What are essential fatty acids?
      Needed by diet, not synthesized
    • What is a phospholipid?
      Molecule with two fatty acids and phosphate
    • Where are phospholipids found?
      In cell membranes
    • What is the structure of steroids?
      Closed ring structure with four linked rings
    • What is the function of cholesterol in membranes?
      Maintains fluidity of the membrane
    • What are the functions of carbohydrates?
      • Energy storage (long and short term)
      • Structural component (e.g., cellulose in plants)
      • Source of carbon for other biomolecules
      • Protection
    • What are the types of lipids and their functions?
      Types of lipids:
      • Fats
      • Oils
      • Waxes
      • Phospholipids
      • Steroids

      Functions:
      • Protection
      • Waterproofing
      • Energy storage
      • Insulation
      • Lubrication
      • Signaling
    • What are the types of fatty acids?
      • Saturated: no C=C bonds
      • Unsaturated: C=C bonds
      • Essential fatty acids: needed from diet (e.g., ω-3, ω-6)
    • What are the characteristics of monosaccharides?
      • Usually have 3-7 carbons
      • End with suffix -ose
      • Contain a carbonyl group (C=O)
      • Exist in linear and ring forms
      • Structural isomers with same formula but different properties
    • What are the characteristics of disaccharides?
      • Formed from two monosaccharides
      • Joined by glycosidic bonds
      • Examples include maltose, lactose, sucrose
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