What is the basic unit of macromolecules?
Monomer
What are the 4 main types of macromolecules?
Lipids, Carbohydrates, Proteins, Nucleic Acids
What are the two types of metabolism?
Anabolism (small to big), Catabolism (big to small)
Why are macromolecules important?
They are the body’s building blocks; without them, we can’t run, think, grow, or reproduce.
Which macromolecule is the most important to protect?
DNA
What is the monomer of lipids?
Fatty acids and glycerol
What is the chemical composition of lipids?
C-H-O
What is the main function of lipids?
Long-term energy storage; provides insulation
What happens when lipids become radioactive?
Plasma membrane gets destroyed, causing cell leaking and swelling.
What is the monomer of carbohydrates?
Monosaccharides
What is the chemical composition of carbohydrates?
C-H-O
What is the main function of carbohydrates?
Quick energy; short-term energy supply
What happens when carbohydrates become radioactive?
Energy becomes dysfunctional.
What are the simple sugars of carbohydrates?
Glucose, Fructose, Galactose (G-F-C)
What is the complex sugar of carbohydrates?
Sucrose
What is glycolysis?
The breakdown of glucose.
What is the monomer of proteins?
Amino acids (22 types)
What is the chemical composition of proteins?
C-H-O-N (sometimes Sulfur)
What is the main function of proteins?
Structure and function (muscles, enzymes)
What happens when proteins are hit by radiation?
Denaturation; change in shape/structure leading to loss of function.
What is the monomer of nucleic acids?
Nucleotides
What is the chemical composition of nucleic acids?
C-H-O-N-P
What is the function of nucleic acids?
Store and transmit genetic information
What are the purine bases?
Adenine (A), Guanine (G)
