BCH 101: Biomolecules and Covalent Bonds

What is the primary function of carbohydrates in organisms?

To store energy from the sun

What is the result of the breakdown of carbohydrates?

Energy release

What is the molecular formula of carbohydrates?

(CH2O)n

What are glycolipids composed of?

Carbohydrates and lipids Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of carbohydrates in the synthesis of other biomolecules?

They are the metabolic precursors Signup and view all the answers

What is the name 'carbohydrate' derived from?

The molecular formula (CH2O)n Signup and view all the answers

Which elements constitute more than 99% of the atoms in the human body?

Hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the strength of covalent bonds in biomolecules?

The low atomic weight of the atoms involved Signup and view all the answers

Which element is able to form four covalent bonds in biomolecules?

Carbon Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of phosphorus and sulfur in biomolecules?

Forming covalent bonds Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis of the biomolecular hierarchy?

Water, carbon dioxide, and three inorganic nitrogen compounds Signup and view all the answers

Why is carbon a crucial element in biomolecules?

Due to its unparalleled versatility in forming stable covalent bonds Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the alpha carbon in an amino acid?

Tetrahedral Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the side chain that gives each amino acid its unique identity?

R group Signup and view all the answers

Why are amino acids considered neutral molecules?

They contain one positive and one negative charge Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the non-identical mirror image isomers of amino acids?

Enantiomers Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of molecules with a chiral center?

They are optically active Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the non-amino acid part of a conjugated protein?

Prosthetic group Signup and view all the answers

What type of biomolecule contains lipids?

Lipoproteins Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of fats and oils in many organisms?

To serve as stored forms of energy Signup and view all the answers

What determines the physical properties of fatty acids?

Both the length and degree of unsaturation of the hydrocarbon chain Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the hydrocarbon chain in some fatty acids?

It contains one or more double bonds Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical range of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain of fatty acids?

12 to 24 carbons Signup and view all the answers

Why are fatty acids poorly soluble in water?

Because of their nonpolar hydrocarbon chain Signup and view all the answers

What type of linkage exists between fatty acids and glycerol in triacylglycerols?

Ester linkage Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of triacylglycerols in the body?

Energy storage Signup and view all the answers

What are the two basic kinds of nucleic acids?

DNA and RNA Signup and view all the answers

What is liberated in equal amounts during complete hydrolysis of nucleic acids?

Nitrogenous bases, a five-carbon sugar, and phosphoric acid Signup and view all the answers

What are the derivatives of in the bases of nucleotides and nucleic acids?

Pyrimidines or purines Signup and view all the answers

What are the common naturally occurring pyrimidines?

Cytosine, uracil, and thymine (5-methyluracil) Signup and view all the answers