Table of Contents
What is a single subunit of a macromolecule?
Most macromolecules are made from single subunits, or building blocks, called monomers. The monomers combine with each other using covalent bonds to form larger molecules known as polymers. In doing so, monomers release water molecules as byproducts.
What are the 4 organic monomers?
The monomers of these organic groups are:
- Carbohydrates – monosaccharides.
- Lipids – glycerol and fatty acids.
- Nucleic acids – nucleotides.
- Proteins – amino acids.
What are the subunits monomers of each macromolecule?
Comparing the Biological Macromolecules
| Macromolecule | Basic Formula, key features | Monomer |
|---|---|---|
| Proteins | CHON −NH2 + −COOH +R group | Amino acids |
| Lipids | C:H:O Greater than 2:1 H:O (carboxyl group) | Fatty acid and glycerol |
| Carbohydrates | C:H:O 1:2:1 | Monosaccharides |
| Nucleic Acids | CHONP pentose, nitrogenous base, phosphate | Nucleotides |
What is not an organic macromolecule?
There are two types of macromolecules – organic (those found in living things) and inorganic (those found in things not living). Organic macromolecules include four classes – proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids. There are fewer inorganic macromolecules, and most are synthetic.
What are the 4 organic compounds?
There are four major classes of biological macromolecules:
- carbohydrates.
- lipids.
- proteins.
- nucleic acids.
Which is the best description of a macromolecule?
Essentially, a macromolecule is a single molecule that consists of many covalently linked subunit molecules. A polymer is a single molecule composed of similar monomers. In physiology, the four major macromolecules are:
What makes a macromolecule not intrinsically stable?
Macromolecules are not intrinsically stable. They are not created in the absence of life, nor can they persist for long outside living systems. Essentially, a macromolecule is a single molecule that consists of many covalently linked subunit molecules.
How are the monomer units of macromolecules polar?
An important point about biological macromolecules is that, with the exception of lipids, their monomer units are polar, meaning that they have an electric charge that is not distributed symmetrically. Schematically, they have “heads” and “tails” with different physical and chemical properties.
What are the names of the 4 classes of macromolecules?
Macromolecules. A macromolecule is a very large molecule, usually consisting of repeated subunits called monomers, which cannot be reduced to simpler constituents without sacrificing the “building block” element.