Lecture 2: Macromolecules Flashcards
(20 cards)
What are the 4 elements that make up 99% of atoms in our cells
Hydrogen, Carbon, Nitrogen, and Oxygen
what is asymmetric charge distribution
when atoms in a molecule have either a partial negative or positive charge
what are the 4 non-covalent interactions
- ionic bonds: result of electrical attraction bc of opposing charges
- hydrogen bonds: weak bonds as a result of electrical attractions
- van der walls forces: b/w two atoms close in proximity and occurs bc atoms are in costant motion
- hydrophobic interactions
what is the general formula for carbohydrates
(CH2O)n
what are the characteristics of carbohydrates
carbonyl internal position (ketone) and a carbonyl at the other end (aldehyde)
how do monosaccharides link?
covalent bond b/w Carbon 1 of one sugar and the OH of another (alpha 1, 4) linkage
what is an oligosaccaride
small chain of sugars
what is a fat made up of
trigylcerides (glycerol attached to 3 fatty acids)
what is the main difference in saturated vs unsaturated fats
saturated fats = no double bonds in the fatty acid chain whereas there are double bonds in unsaturated fats
what type of bond links fatty acids
ester bonds which links a fatty acid to a glycerol group
what do phospholipids consist of
glycerol, 2 fatty acids, a phosphate group
True or False: phospholipids are amphipathic meaning they have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.
True
what are nucleic acids composed of
they are made up of nucleotides which consists of a 5 carbon sugar, a nitrogenous base, and a phosphate group
what bonds are used to link nucleotides
phosphate linkages
what are some common functions of nucleotides
- stores energy
- can form co-enzymes to help with enzyme function
- can be used as signaling molecules
what are amino acids composed of
H, C, O, N and sometimes S or P
why is cystine an important amino acid
it can form disulfide bridges in oxidizing conditions
what bonds link amino acids together
peptide bonds where the carboxyl of one group links to the amine group of another amino acid
What are the trends for oxidation and reduction in molecules
Reduction: The more Hydrogen atoms a molecule has, the higher potential for reduction
Oxidation: The less Hydrogen atoms a molecule has, the higher potential for oxidation
What is reaction coupling
Using energetically favorable reactions to drive an energetically unfavorable reaction
