Biochemistry - Macromolecules Flashcards
(49 cards)
Macromolecule + Types
Large molecules sometimes composed of many repeating subunits (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids)
Macromolecules functions
Energy storage + production, cell structure, cell function, cell communication, and storage of genetic information
Monomers
The small molecules that link together to form polymers
Polymers
A chain-like macromolecule made up of smaller linked molecules (carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids)
Anabolic reaction
Condensation reaction in which macromolecules are formed (large molecules assembled from smaller subunits)
Catabolic reaction
Hydrolysis reactions in which macromolecules are disassembled (larger molecules broken into subunits)
Carbohydrate functions
Quickest source of energy, long term energy storage, produce structural components
Lipid functions
Energy storage (slowest but most efficient), insulation, temp regulation, absorb vitamins + minerals, internal organ protection, cell membrane, structure, hormone production (cholesterol)
Protein function
Controlling what enters + leaves the cell, carrying oxygen in blood, breaking down foods, allowing for muscle contraction, supporting body’s tissues
Nucleic acid function
Store genetic information + allow it to be translated into proteins, produce identical copies of itself, allow for basic life functions of cells
Types of carbohydrates
- Monosaccharides (individual monomers)
- Disaccharides (2 monosaccharide monomers)
- Oligosaccharides (3-15 monosaccharide monomers)
- Polysaccharides (>15/many monosaccharide glucose monomers)
Glycosidic linkage
Ether linkage produced by condensation reaction between 2 monosaccharides
Isomer
Molecules with the same chemical formula but different atom arrangement (e.g. glucose, fructose, galactose)
Alpha glucose
Hydroxyl below ring (5+ carbon monosaccharide in water)
Beta glucose
Hydroxyl above ring (5+ carbon monosaccharide in water)
Significance of numbering in glycosidic linkage
Indicates specific carbon atoms involved in the linkage
Storage polysaccharides
Store sugar for later use in energy production (glycogen in animals, starch in plants)
Structural polysaccharides
Building blocks for cell structures (cellulose in plants, chitin in exoskeletons of insects)
Glycogen
Animal storage polysaccharide, highly branched, alpha glucose, 1-4/1-6 bonds
Amylose
Plant storage polysaccharide, starch, unbranched, alpha glucose, 1-4 bonds
Amylopectin
Plant storage polysaccharide, starch, branched, alpha glucose, 1-4/1-6 bonds
Cellulose
Plant structural polysaccharide, straight chain, beta glucose, 1-4 bonds
Types of lipids
Triglycerides (fats + oils commonly found in food, most common), phospholipids (micelles and phospholipid bilayers), sterols (cholesterol + derivatives), waxes (environmental barrier, waterproofing)
Triglyceride structure
Glycerol molecule bonded to 3 fatty acids (ester linkage bonds fatty acids to glycerol)
