AP Bio Macromolecules Structure & Function

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Questions and Answers

List the four major classes of macromolecules.

Carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins.

Distinguish between monomers and polymers.

Monomers are the building blocks of polymers, which are long chains of linked monomers.

What happens during a condensation reaction?

Two molecules become covalently bonded with the loss of a small molecule, usually water.

Distinguish among monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

Monosaccharides are simple sugars, disaccharides are two monosaccharides joined together, and polysaccharides are long chains of monosaccharides. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the formation of a glycosidic linkage.

It forms between two monosaccharides via a reaction between -C-OH groups, producing water and a -C-O-C- bond. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the glycosidic linkages in starch and cellulose?

Starch is a storage polysaccharide while cellulose is a structural polysaccharide, differing in the configuration of glucose rings. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of symbiosis in cellulose digestion.

Herbivores rely on bacteria in their intestines to degrade cellulose, allowing them to obtain nutrients from plants. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the biological importance of fats, phospholipids, and steroids.

Fats provide energy, phospholipids form cell membranes, and steroids serve as hormones or structural components. Signup and view all the answers

Distinguish between saturated and unsaturated fats.

Saturated fats have no double bonds and are solid at room temperature, while unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds and are liquid. Signup and view all the answers

Name the principal energy storage molecules of plants and animals.

Starch in plants and glycogen in animals. Signup and view all the answers

Distinguish between a protein and a polypeptide.

A protein is a functional molecule made of one or more polypeptides. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how a peptide bond forms between two amino acids.

A dehydration reaction covalently bonds the amino group of one amino acid with the carboxyl group of another. Signup and view all the answers

List and describe the four major components of an amino acid.

Amino group, carboxyl group, hydrogen atom, and R group which determines polarity. Signup and view all the answers

What determines protein conformation?

Protein conformation is determined by environmental conditions such as temperature and pH. Signup and view all the answers

How is the primary structure of a protein determined?

The primary structure is determined by the genetic code which dictates the sequence of amino acids. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classes of Macromolecules

Four major classes: carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, proteins.

Monomers vs Polymers

Monomers: Basic building units of polymers.
Polymers: Long molecules made of linked monomers.

Reactions: Condensation and Hydrolysis

Condensation: Two molecules bond covalently, releasing water (dehydration reaction).
Hydrolysis: Molecules are split by adding water, crucial for digestion.

Types of Carbohydrates

Monosaccharides: Simplest carbohydrates; formula generally multiples of CH2O.
Disaccharides: Two monosaccharides linked by dehydration synthesis.
Polysaccharides: Long polymers of monosaccharides formed via dehydration synthesis.

Glycosidic Linkage Formation

Forms between two monosaccharides during carbohydrate synthesis.
Involves -C-OH groups, produces water, and results in -C-O-C- bond.

Glycosidic Linkages: Starch vs Cellulose

Glucose can have two ring forms (α and β).
Starch: Storage polysaccharide; Cellulose: Structural polysaccharide.
Biologically important for energy storage and structure.

Symbiosis and Cellulose Digestion

Herbivores rely on bacteria in their intestines to break down cellulose.
Bacteria degrade cellulose, nourishing the herbivore; humans lack these bacteria for chitin.

Structure and Importance of Fats, Phospholipids, & Steroids

Fats: Composed of glycerol and three fatty acids.
Phospholipids: Form cell membranes; consist of glycerol and two fatty acids.
Steroids: Include hormones and cholesterol; characterized by four fused rings.

Saturated vs Unsaturated Fats

Saturated fats: No double bonds, solid at room temperature.
Unsaturated fats: One or more double bonds, resulting in a liquid state at room temperature.

Energy Storage Molecules

Plants store energy primarily as starch.
Animals store energy as glycogen (synthesized in the liver).

Protein vs Polypeptide

Proteins consist of one or more polypeptides folded into specific shapes.

Peptide Bond Formation

Forms through dehydration reaction between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another.

Components of an Amino Acid

Composed of amino group, carboxyl group, hydrogen atom, and variable R group.
R group determines amino acid polarity and characteristics.

Protein Conformation Importance

Protein conformation is influenced by environmental factors (temperature, pH).
Denaturation occurs if conditions are unfavorable, leading to loss of function.

Primary Structure of Proteins

Determined by DNA, specifying amino acid sequence bonded through peptide bonds.

Secondary Protein Structure and Interaction

Two types: α-helix and β-pleated sheet.
Hydrogen bonds stabilize secondary structures.
Weak interactions and disulfide bridges contribute to tertiary structure stability.

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Description

Dive into the fascinating world of macromolecules with this quiz on their structure and function. You'll explore the four major classes: carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins, as well as the distinction between monomers and polymers. Perfect for AP Biology students!