Biological Molecules Flashcards
(758 cards)
What is a molecule
A molecule is made up of two or more of the same or different elements chemically bonded together
What are biological molecules
Compounds that living organisms are made up of
Examples of Biological molecules
Proteins
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Nucleic acids
Biological molecules are… (1)
Large and complex macromolecules made up of many atoms bonded together
Many but not all are polymers
Biological molecules are… (2)
Organic- carbon forms main structural part of each biological molecule
- all contain C-C or C-H bonds
What is the opposite of organic and why
Inorganic- do not contain C-C or C-H bonds
Examples of inorganic biological molecules
C02
CaCO3
Biological molecules are… (3)
Made up of maximum of 6 elements
- carbon
-hydrogen
-nitrogen - oxygen
-phosphorus - sulphur
What elements can be found in the macromolecule carbohydrate
Carbon
Hydrogen
Oxygen
What elements can be found in the macromolecule lipids
Carbon
Hydrogen
Oxygen
What elements can be found in the macromolecule proteins
Carbon
Hydrogen
Oxygen
Nitrogen
Sulphur
What elements can be found in the macromolecule nucleic acids
Carbon
Hydrogen
Oxygen
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
What are most of the atoms in biological molecules and how are they bonded together?
Most atoms= non-metals, are held together by covalent bonds through sharing electrons
Define monomer
Small units which are linked together to form larger molecules e g. monosaccharides
Define polymer
Long chain molecules made up of monomers which are linked together in a repeating pattern
Give examples of polymers
Proteins
Carbohydrates
Nucleic acids
Give example of what’s not a polymer
Lipids
Why are polymers great biological molecules
Can easily be broken down into monomers when necessary and join back together to make polymers
Explain how monomers are turned into polymers
Monomers are joined together in a condensation reaction where water is released to make polymers
What is dehydration synthesis also known as
Condensation reaction
What is also known as a condensation reaction
Dehydration synthesis
How are polymers broken down to make monomers
Polymers are broken down to make monomers by addition of water in Hydrolysis reaction
What is an ion
Atom that has lost or gained electron
Benefits of inorganic ions
Essential for functioning of living organisms e.g. communication between cells and controlling the movement of water in and out of cells and tissues