Biological macromolecules

Definition

Biological macromolecules are large, complex molecules essential for life, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. They are formed by polymerization of smaller subunits called monomers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Carbohydrates are made up of monosaccharides like glucose and serve as energy sources.
2. Proteins consist of amino acids linked by peptide bonds and perform a wide range of functions including enzymatic activity.
3. Lipids are hydrophobic molecules composed mainly of fatty acids and glycerol, crucial for long-term energy storage and membrane structure.
4. Nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA are polymers of nucleotides that store and transmit genetic information.
5. The synthesis of biological macromolecules involves dehydration reactions, where water is removed to form bonds between monomers.

Review Questions

• What type of bond connects amino acids in a protein?
• Which biological macromolecule is primarily responsible for storing genetic information?
• Describe the role of dehydration reactions in the synthesis of biological macromolecules.

Related terms

Monomer:

A smaller molecule that can bind chemically to other molecules to form a polymer

Polymerization: The process by which monomers combine to form a polymer through chemical reactions

Dehydration Reaction: A chemical reaction that involves the loss of water from the reacting molecule, crucial in forming polymers from monomers