Macromolecules

Monomer

A simple compound whose molecules can join together to form polymers.

Polymer

A long molecule consisting of many similar or identical monomers linked together.

Carbohydrate

Compound made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms; major source of energy for the human body.

Saccharide

A simple sugar or combination of sugars; a carbohydrate.

Lipid

Energy-rich organic compounds, such as fats, oils, and waxes, that are made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Fatty acid and glycerol

Monomers of lipids.

Protein

A three dimensional polymer made of monomers of amino acids.

Amino acid

Monomer of protein.

Nucleic acid

A complex organic substance present in living cells, especially DNA or RNA, whose molecules consist of many nucleotides linked in a long chain.

Nucleotide

Monomer of nucleic acids made up of a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Short term energy storage

Carbohydrates.

Long term energy storage

Lipid.

Stores and transfers genetic information

Nucleic acids (Deoxyribonucleic Acid).

Helps in the transport of materials

Protein.

Structural support to an organism

Protein.

Provides insulation and helps create cell membranes

Lipids.

Enzymes

Proteins.

Quickest form of energy

Carbohydrates.

Mono, di, poly

One, two, many

Hydrolysis

Adding water to polymers to break them into smaller monomers.

Dehydration synthesis

Removing water from monomers to join them together and make polymers.