Chpater 3 - Lab Macromolecules Flashcards
Very large molecules created by the polymerization of small units of small units called monomers. Most of these are present in everyday life, for instance in food.
Macromolecules
There are several types of biological macromolecules what are they? (4) And all of them are polymers except for one? which one?
Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids (not a polymer), and Nucleic acids
In foods where are mainly concerned for what macromolecules? (3)
Carbohydrates, lipids (fats), and protein
A long molecule composed of chains of monomers
polymer
Small molecules that serve as building blocks for polymers.
Monomers
Molecular complex composed of a few monomer units, instead of the theoretical unlimited nature of polymers. Dimers or trimers for instance, are these composed of two and three monomers, respectively, such as lactose in milk. Usually refers to a macromolecular complex formed by non-covalent bonding of a few macromolecules, like nucleic acids or proteins. Example: this is related to many neurodegenerative diseases such as the alpha-synuclein aggregations in Parkinson’s disease.
Oligomer
Molecules built from sugars. They can exist as monosaccharides (singular sugar molecules), disaccharides (two molecules) , and polysaccharides (3 or more molecules). Can be represented by the stoichiometric formula Cm(H2O)n. It is hydrated or watered carbon.
Carbohydrates (carbon “carbo” and water “hydrate”)
Provide energy to the body. Example, athletes carbload before a competition to obtain more energy. Examples are Grains, fruits, and vegetables are all natural sources that can be used for energy. Can be found in healthy and unhealthy food such as rice, bread, popcorn, cookies, pasta, apple pie, milk, potatoes, and soft drinks. Potatoes are very high in this.
Carbohydrate
Grains, fruits, and vegetables consist most of soluble and insoluble carbohydrates; the insoluble part is known as what?
fibre, mostly cellulose
Means first or primary. The building blocks of life and found throughout the body and synthesized in all forms of living cells. Builds our enzymes, cells, hormones, and antibodies. Includes eggs, fish, chicken, nuts, beans, and meat. Consist of long chains of amino acids.
Protein
Humans have tens of thousands of types of proteins, which are all constructed from a set of how many amino acids?
20
Refer to a group of water-insoluble compounds found in the tissue of plants and animals. They are water-insoluble because they do not mix well with water (also known as non-polar). Store energy, maintains core body temp, mobilize, and utilize. Mainly found in oil, butter, cheese and processed foods such as pastries, cakes, and biscuits. Also in avocados, fatty fish, egg yolks. Not true polymers.
Lipids (Fats)
Examples of lipids (water-insoluble compounds):
Lipids, Phospholipids, Sphingomyelins, Waxes, and Sterols
monosaccharides and disaccharides are known as what type of sugars or just sugar and simple carbohydrate. Digested quickly by the body and enter the bloodstream quickly. Examples of foods that contain high levels of this are cookies, cakes, soft drinks, honey, and processed foods.
simple sugars
starch is considered what type of sugar? also considered polymers of sugars. Have longer chains of sugars than simple sugars.
complex sugar
