Biological Macromolecules Flashcards
(11 cards)
What affects the shape and structure of molecules?
The Nature of Individual Components- in what manner can the molecules interact with each other and form bonds (rules)
The Number of Individual Components- the number of molecules and the number of bonds they can form.
What are Macromolecules?
Macromolecules are large molecules made out of smaller units called monomers.
What is Catenation?
Catenation is the ability of atoms (like carbon) to form long chains of covalent bonds with other atoms of the same element. So basically catenation is the ability that leads to the formation of macromolecules (the long chains).
What are Hydrocarbons? (+ Hydrogenation)
Hydrocarbons are molecules made of hydrogen and carbon. Hydrogenation is the process through which hydrogen atoms are added to (typically) carbon double or triple bonds.
Types of Biological Macromolecules
Lipids (hydrocarbons), Carbohydrates (ketones), Proteins (amino-acid+ peptide) and Nucleic Acid
What is Polymerisation?
Polymerisation is the process through which small molecules, monomers, form covalent bonds and long chains to become polymers.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. They contain an amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), and a side chain (R group) attached to a central carbon atom. There are 20 different amino acids commonly found in proteins, each with a unique side chain that determines its properties.
What are the types of polymers?
Polymer made of same kind of monomer is called homopolymer.
Polymer made of two different kinds of polymers is called copolymer.
Polymer made of multiple types of monomers arranged in a particular pattern is known as precision polymers.
Factors that determine the shape of a protein
Number and Sequence of Amino Acids
Properties of the R groups i.e hydrophobic or hydrophilic; Polar or Non Polar etc
Short and Long range Interactions between R groups
Short and Long range interactions between the N-C-C backbone
Conditions of the microenvironment
Overall Free energy permessivity.
Assisted folding using Molecular Chaperons
Amino Acids, Polypeptides, Proteins and their functions
Glucose and Starch- universal expendable energy sources
Lipids are carriers of other macromolecules via blood, Important components of cell membranes, Stored energy storage sources, Important neurotransmitters.
Other points that didn’t fucking fit anywhere!!!
Sequence leads to structure leads to function
The smallest stable hydrocarbon would be CH4 aka Methane
Globular Protein- soluble Tubular Protein- insoluble
Lipids are made of Hydrogen, Carbon and Oxygen and have a hydrocarbon backbone.
