Polymers

Biological macromolecules, the large molecules necessary for life, include carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins.

Fats and oils, which may be saturated or unsaturated, can be unhealthy but also serve important functions for plants and animals.

Phospholipids are amphipathic molecules that make up the bilayer of the plasma membrane and keep the membrane fluid.

Steroids, like cholesterol, play roles in reproduction, absorption, metabolism regulation, and brain activity.

Carbohydrates are essential macromolecules that are classified into three subtypes: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

An amino acid contains an amino group, a carboxyl group, and an R group, and it combines with other amino acids to form polypeptide chains.

The peptide bond is an amide bond which links amino acids together to form proteins.

Each successive level of protein folding ultimately contributes to its shape and therefore its function.

Denaturation is a process in which proteins lose their shape and, therefore, their function because of changes in pH or temperature.

DNA and RNA are nucleic acids that carry out cellular processes, especially the regulation and expression of genes.

The DNA double helix looks like a twisted staircase, with the sugar and phosphate backbone surrounding complementary nitrogen bases.

Synthetic organic polymers are human-made polymers with various main chain and side chain compositions.

In addition reaction, two molecules combine to create one bigger molecule.

Condensation is a chemical reaction in which one molecule is formed and one small molecule (often water) is lost.