monomers, polymers and carbohydrates Flashcards
(35 cards)
Define monomer
Smaller units that join together to form larger molecules
List the common monomers
- Monosaccharides
- Amino acids
- Nucleotides
Define polymer
Molecules formed when many monomers join together
List the common polymers
- Polysaccharides
- Proteins
- DNA / RNA
Describe what occurs in a condensation reaction
- Two molecules are joined together
- A chemical bond is formed
- A water molecule is released
Describe what occurs in a hydrolysis reaction
- Two molecules are separated
- Requires the addition of a water molecule
- A chemical bond is broken
Name 3 hexose monosaccharides
- Glucose
- Fructose
- Galactose
What do hexose monosaccharides have in common
They all have the molecular formula C6H12O6
Name the type of bond formed when two monosaccharides react together in a condensation reaction
Glycosidic bond
Name the molecule formed from a condensation reaction of 2 monosaccharides
Disaccharide
Name the molecule formed from a condensation reaction of many monosaccharides
Polysaccharides
Name 3 disaccharides
- Maltose
- Sucrose
- Lactose
Explain how maltose is formed
- Via a condensation reaction which releases a water molecule
- Between 2 glucose molecules
- To form a glycosidic bond
Describe how sucrose is formed
- Via a condensation reaction which releases a water molecule
- Between a glucose and fructose molecule
- To form a glycosidic bond
Describe how lactose is formed
- Via a condensation reaction which releases a water molecule
- Between a glucose and galactose molecule
- To form a glycosidic bond
What is the molecular formula for disaccharides of glucose?
C12H22O11
Define monosaccharides
The monomers from which larger carbohydrates are made from
Define disaccharides
Formed by the condensation of two monosaccharides.
What are the structural differences between glucose isomers?
- The OH groups on carbon 1 are inverted
- OH group is below carbon 1 in alpha glucose
- OH group is above carbon 1 in beta glucose
Describe the position of the OH group in alpha glucose
Below carbon 1
Describe the position of the OH group in beta glucose
Above carbon 1
Describe the function of starch
It is an energy storage polymer of alpha glucose in plant cells
Explain the structure of starch and explain its benefits
- Made from amylose which forms 1,4 glycosidic bonds and a helix with hydrogen bonds to make it compact
- Made from amylopectin which forms 1,4 and 1,6 glycosidic bonds to make it branched so it has many terminal ends for hydrolysis into glucose
How is starch adapted for its function?
- Insoluble so has no osmotic effect on cells
2. Large molecule so doesn’t diffuse out of cells