Macromolecules Flashcards
What are macromolecules?
Relatively large, complex organic molecules found in living organisms
Fill in the Blanks:
Macromolecules are made up of smaller ___________ that are chemically separated through ____________
SUBUNITS and HYDROLYSIS
Why are macromolecules reduced?
So that they may be absorbed into the bloodstream
What are the four major macromolecules?
1.Carbohydrates
2. Lipids
3. Proteins
4. Nucleic Acid
What is dehydration synthesis?
A process which builds macromolecules by removing a hydroxyl group (-OH) from one subunit and a hydrogen atom (H) from another subunit to form a covalent bond
What is hydrolysis?
A process that breaks down macromolecules by adding a water molecule (H2O) to them, breaking the covalent bond
What are carbohydrates?
Sugars that store energy and provide the body with energy
What is the carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen ratio in almost all carbohydrates?
1:2:1
What is a monosaccharide?
- Simple sugar
- The smallest repeating unit of a carbohydrate
- Contains 3-7 carbon atoms
What is a monomer?
The general term for the smallest repeating unit
Do monosaccharides need to be broken down?
No because monosaccharides are examples of monomers
What is a disaccharide?
- Simple sugar
- Made up of two monosaccharides (double sugar)
How are disaccharides formed?
When two monosaccharides form a glycosidic bond together via dehydration synthesis
Where and how are disaccharides broken down?
In the small intestine via disaccharase enzyme
What are polysaccharides?
- Complex carbohydrate
- Made of many monosaccharides linked together
- Main energy “storage units”
Begin to break down in the mouth (via salivary amylase enzyme) and finish breaking down in the small intestine (via pancreatic amylase enzyme)
