Back to AI Flashcard MakerBiology /A-level Biology - 3.1.1 Biological Molecules Part 1
What is a polymer?
Molecule made of large number of monomers joined together
Tap or swipe ↕ to flip
Swipe ←→Navigate
1/25
Key Terms
Term
Definition
What is a polymer?
Molecule made of large number of monomers joined together
What are monomers?
Small, basic molecular units
Name the 3 elements all carbohydrates contain
C, H & O
What are the monomers in carbohydrates?
Monosaccharides (e.g. glucose, fructose, galactose)
What type of sugar is glucose?
Hexose sugar (monosaccharide with 6 carbon atoms in each molecule)
Name the 2 types of glucose
alpha (α) & beta (β)
Related Flashcard Decks
Study Tips
- Press F to enter focus mode for distraction-free studying
- Review cards regularly to improve retention
- Try to recall the answer before flipping the card
- Share this deck with friends to study together
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
What is a polymer? | Molecule made of large number of monomers joined together |
What are monomers? | Small, basic molecular units |
Name the 3 elements all carbohydrates contain | C, H & O |
What are the monomers in carbohydrates? | Monosaccharides (e.g. glucose, fructose, galactose) |
What type of sugar is glucose? | Hexose sugar (monosaccharide with 6 carbon atoms in each molecule) |
Name the 2 types of glucose | alpha (α) & beta (β) |
Draw the skeletal structure for α-glucose | |
Draw the skeletal structure for β-glucose | |
In alpha glucose the OH is… | below the plane of the ring |
In beta glucose the OH is… | above the plane of the ring |
What is a condensation reaction? | Joining together of molecules with a chemical bond & the elimination of a water molecule (it’s released) |
How are monosaccharides joined together? | By condensation reactions |
What type of bond is formed between the 2 monosaccharides as molecule of water is released? | A glycosidic bond |
What is formed when 2 monosaccharides join together? | A disaccharide |
How is sucrose formed? | Formed from condensation reaction between α-glucose molecule and fructose molecule |
What is lactose formed from? | From glucose molecule & galactose molecule |
What is maltose formed from? | From 2 α-glucose molecules |
What is hydrolysis? | Breaking of the chemical bond between monomers using a water molecule |
When are polysaccharides formed? | When more than 2 monosaccharides are joined together by condensation reactions |
Where is starch located in organisms? | Many parts of plants in the form of small grains + large amounts found in seeds & storage organs |
What is the purpose of starch? | Plants store excess glucose as starch |
How is starch produced? | Condensation of many α-glucose sub units, which then form hydrogen bonds with molecules in the same chain |
Starch is a mixture of … | 2 polysaccharides of alpha-glucose |
Name the 2 polysaccharides of alpha-glucose found in starch | Amylose
Amylopectin |
Describe the structure of amylose | Long, unbranched chain of α-glucose |