Macromolecules

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What are macromolecules?

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Macromolecules are large, complex molecules that are essential for life, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

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What are the four main types of macromolecules?

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The four main types of macromolecules are proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Front

What is a lipid?

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Lipids are organic molecules that are hydrophobic (water-repelling) and include fats, oils, and waxes.

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What is a protein?

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Proteins are macromolecules made up of amino acids that perform a variety of functions in the body, including catalyzing reactions and providing structure.

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What is a carbohydrate?

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Carbohydrates are macromolecules made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically in a ratio of 1:2:1, and serve as a primary energy source.

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What is a nucleic acid?

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Nucleic acids are macromolecules that store and transmit genetic information, including DNA and RNA.

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What is the structure of an amino acid?

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An amino acid consists of a central carbon atom, an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable R group (side chain).

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What is a polymer?

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A polymer is a large molecule made up of repeating subunits called monomers.

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How do enzymes function?

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Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required.

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What is the role of temperature in enzyme activity?

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Enzymes function best at specific temperatures, and extreme temperatures can denature them, affecting their activity.