Module 1: Biological molecules - Macromolecules/Polymers Flashcards
What are Macromolecules?
They are complex molecules with a relatively large molecular mass.
What are some examples for Macromolecules?
Proteins.
Carbohydrates.
Lipids.
What is a Monomer?
It is molecule that can be bonded to other identical molecules to form a polymer.
Smaller units that join together that form larger molecules.
What are some examples of Monomers?
Monosaccharides such as Glucose, Fructose, Galactose and Ribose.
Amino Acids.
Nucleotides.
What are Polymers?
They are large complex molecules composed of long chains of Monomers joined together.
What are some examples of Polymers?
Polysaccharides.
Proteins
DNA/RNA.
What is a Condensation Reaction?
It is the formation of larger biological molecules (Polymers) from smaller molecules (Monomers). The byproduct of Condensation is water.
The reaction releases water and bonds the smaller components together into a larger molecule.
What are some Products of Condensation?
Condensation of amino acids, produces Proteins.
Condensation of 2 Monosaccharides, produces a disaccharide.
Condensation of fatty acids and monoglycerides, produces Lipids.
What is a Hydrolysis reaction
It is the breakdown of large biological molecules (polymers) into smaller molecules (monomers).
The reaction requires water and splits the larger molecule into their smaller component.
These smaller molecules such as glucose can easily diffuse into cells or be transported using protein channels.
What are some products of Hydrolysis?
Hydrolysis of protein produces amino acids.
Hydrolysis of Carbohydrates produces Disaccharides and monosaccharides.
Hydrolysis of Lipids produces fatty acids and monoglycerides.
What is a Disaccharide?
It is two monosaccharides (simple sugar) joined together.
What is a Polysaccharide?
Lots of monosaccharides joined together.
