Cell Biology

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. All except most lipids are polymers built from repeating monomer subunits.

Dehydration synthesis (condensation) links monomers into polymers by removing a water molecule; hydrolysis breaks polymers by adding water.

The simplest carbohydrates and the monomers of larger carbohydrates. Glucose, fructose, and galactose are examples, all with the formula C6H12O6.

Lipids store energy (fats and oils), form membranes (phospholipids), provide insulation, and act as signaling molecules (steroids such as hormones).

Saturated fatty acids have no carbon-carbon double bonds and pack tightly (solid at room temperature); unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds that create kinks (liquid at room temperature).

Each amino acid has a central carbon bonded to an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen, and a variable R group (side chain) that determines its chemical properties.