Topic 1A- Biological Molecules
Created @February 3, 2025 8:32 PM
Class Cells to Systems
Carbohydrates
A lot of carbs are polymers
Big, complex molecules made of smaller molecules called monomers
which join together
Examples
Monosaccharides
Creates monomers
Glucose is a monosaccharide containing 6 carbon atoms
Splits into Alpha and Beta Glucose
Amino acids
Nucleotides
Condensation Reaction
Two molecules join together and water molecule is released as biproduct
Reaction links monosaccharides together
Water molecule release creates glycosidic bond
Two monosaccharides joining creates disaccharide
Hydrolysis Reaction
Topic 1A- Biological Molecules 1
, Breaks polymers
Removes chemical bond between monomers using water
Opposite of condensation reaction
Starch
Glucose is energy source for cells, excess is stored as starch in plants
If plant needs more energy, starch is broken down for glucose release
Consists of amylose and amylopectin
Amylose
Long chain of alpha glucose
Coiled structure due to glycosidic bonds
Structure makes it ideal for storage as it’s more compact
Amylopectin
Long branched chain of alpha glucose
Side branches on the structure allow multiple access points for
glycosidic bonds to be broken down
Results in quick glucose release
Energy source is insoluble in water, so water potential is not affected
and swelling due to osmosis is avoided
Good for storage
Glycogen
Energy source for animals
Known as alpha glucose, known as glycogen when stored as excess
Topic 1A- Biological Molecules 2
Created @February 3, 2025 8:32 PM
Class Cells to Systems
Carbohydrates
A lot of carbs are polymers
Big, complex molecules made of smaller molecules called monomers
which join together
Examples
Monosaccharides
Creates monomers
Glucose is a monosaccharide containing 6 carbon atoms
Splits into Alpha and Beta Glucose
Amino acids
Nucleotides
Condensation Reaction
Two molecules join together and water molecule is released as biproduct
Reaction links monosaccharides together
Water molecule release creates glycosidic bond
Two monosaccharides joining creates disaccharide
Hydrolysis Reaction
Topic 1A- Biological Molecules 1
, Breaks polymers
Removes chemical bond between monomers using water
Opposite of condensation reaction
Starch
Glucose is energy source for cells, excess is stored as starch in plants
If plant needs more energy, starch is broken down for glucose release
Consists of amylose and amylopectin
Amylose
Long chain of alpha glucose
Coiled structure due to glycosidic bonds
Structure makes it ideal for storage as it’s more compact
Amylopectin
Long branched chain of alpha glucose
Side branches on the structure allow multiple access points for
glycosidic bonds to be broken down
Results in quick glucose release
Energy source is insoluble in water, so water potential is not affected
and swelling due to osmosis is avoided
Good for storage
Glycogen
Energy source for animals
Known as alpha glucose, known as glycogen when stored as excess
Topic 1A- Biological Molecules 2
