Biochemistry: Macromolecules of Life
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Questions and Answers

Why are lipids considered the best source of energy for the body?

Lipids provide more energy per gram than carbohydrates or proteins.

What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats in terms of their chemical structure?

Saturated fats contain only single bonds between carbon atoms in their fatty acid tails, while unsaturated fats contain at least one double bond.

Explain how the structure of a phospholipid contributes to the formation of cell membranes.

The hydrophilic head of a phospholipid faces the watery environment inside and outside the cell, while the hydrophobic tails are repelled by water and form a barrier in the middle of the membrane.

Name two types of steroids and describe their functions.

<p>Cholesterol, a component of cell membranes, and hormones like testosterone and estrogen, which act as chemical messengers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic structure of an amino acid, and what makes one amino acid different from another?

<p>Amino acids have a common structure with a central carbon atom bonded to an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable 'R' group.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a protein? Give an example.

<p>Proteins are the functional molecules of living organisms, carrying out a wide array of tasks. For example, enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the process of protein formation, including the type of bond involved.

<p>Proteins are formed by linking amino acids together through peptide bonds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain why the number of possible protein structures is virtually limitless.

<p>Proteins are formed by linking together 20 different amino acids in various combinations and lengths.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the six main elements that make up macromolecules?

<p>Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define dehydration synthesis and its role in forming macromolecules.

<p>Dehydration synthesis is the process where two smaller molecules bond to form a larger macromolecule, with the release of a water molecule.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is hydrolysis and how does it differ from dehydration synthesis?

<p>Hydrolysis is the process of breaking down large macromolecules into smaller subunits by adding water to break bonds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the two main types of carbohydrates and their subcategories.

<p>The two main types are monosaccharides (simple sugars) and polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the chemical formula for a monosaccharide and a disaccharide?

<p>A monosaccharide has the formula C6H12O6, while a disaccharide is C12H22O11.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of glycosidic bonds in carbohydrates.

<p>Glycosidic bonds are formed between carbohydrate monomers through dehydration synthesis, linking them together.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the arrangements of the same chemical elements in macromolecules affect their properties?

<p>Different arrangements of the same elements result in macromolecules with unique structures and functions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do carbohydrates play in living organisms?

<p>Carbohydrates provide both short- and long-term energy for living things.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Biochemistry

The study of molecules that build and run living organisms.

Macromolecules

Large molecules made of smaller units called monomers, forming polymers.

Monomers

Small molecules that can join to form larger macromolecules.

Polymers

Large macromolecules formed by the linkage of monomers.

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Dehydration synthesis

Process to assemble monomers into polymers by removing water.

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Hydrolysis

Process of breaking down polymers into monomers by adding water.

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Carbohydrates

Macromolecules made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen for energy.

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Simple sugars

Monosaccharides and disaccharides, making up carbohydrates.

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Lipids

Large molecules insoluble in water that perform various functions, including energy storage and cell membrane formation.

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Triglycerides

Lipids made of glycerol and three fatty acid chains; can be saturated or unsaturated.

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Saturated fats

Triglycerides without double bonds in fatty acid tails; solid at room temperature, often animal fats.

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Unsaturated fats

Triglycerides with double bonds in fatty acid tails; liquid at room temperature, typically plant oils.

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Phospholipids

Molecules with a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails, essential in forming cell membranes (phospholipid bilayer).

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Steroids

Lipids with a unique ring structure that function as membrane components (cholesterol) and hormones.

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Amino acids

Monomers of proteins with a common N-C-C backbone and variable R groups; 20 types exist.

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Peptide bonds

The links formed between amino acid subunits when proteins are made.

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Study Notes

Macromolecules

  • Molecules are made of atoms
  • Biochemistry studies molecules in living things
  • Living things need many types of molecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, vitamins, minerals, and hormones
  • Macromolecules are mostly made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur (CHONPS)

Macromolecules of Life

  • Carbohydrates:
    • Subunits: sugars (e.g., glucose), polymers of glucose
    • Functions: energy storage
    • Examples: sugars, starches, glycogen
  • Lipids:
    • Subunits: glycerol, fatty acids
    • Functions: energy storage, cell membranes, hormones, vitamin carriers, insulation, cushioning
    • Examples: fats, oils, phospholipids
  • Proteins:
    • Subunits: amino acids
    • Functions: transport, blood clotting, support, immunity, catalysis, muscle action
    • Examples: hemoglobin, fibrin, collagen, antibodies, enzymes, actin, myosin
  • Nucleic acids:
    • Subunits: nucleotides
    • Functions: transfer and expression of genetic information
    • Examples: DNA, RNA

Polymerization and Hydrolysis

  • Macromolecules are assembled from smaller molecules called monomers
  • Dehydration synthesis: monomers combine to form polymers, releasing a water molecule
  • Hydrolysis: polymers break down into monomers, using a water molecule
  • Monomer + Monomer = Polymer + H2O

Carbohydrates

  • Simple sugars: Monosaccharides -single sugar units
    • Examples: glucose, fructose, galactose
  • Disaccharides -two sugar units
    • Examples: maltose, sucrose, lactose
    • Bond between monomers is called glycosidic bond
  • Complex carbohydrates or polysaccharides - three or more sugar units
    • Examples: starch, glycogen, cellulose

Lipids

  • Insoluble in water
  • Best source of energy, but not immediately usable
  • Triglycerides: made of glycerol and fatty acid chains, important for energy storage
    • Saturated fats: solid at room temperature, found in animal products
    • Unsaturated fats: liquid at room temperature, found in plant products
  • Phospholipids: have both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-fearing) parts, crucial for cell membranes
  • Steroids: lipids with a ring structure, function in cell membranes and hormones

Proteins

  • Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins
  • Peptide bonds: link amino acids together
  • Proteins have complex 3D shapes determined by amino acid sequence
  • Denaturation: protein shape change (temporary); affected by heat, radiation, pH
  • Coagulation: protein shape change (permanent)

Nucleic Acids

  • Nucleic acids store and transmit genetic information
  • DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): double-stranded helix
  • RNA (ribonucleic acid): single-stranded
  • Nucleotide: monomers of nucleic acids. Consist of a sugar, phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
  • The ordering of nitrogenous bases is the genetic code

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Description

Explore the fundamental macromolecules that constitute living organisms. This quiz covers carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, detailing their subunits, functions, and examples. Test your understanding of how these molecules contribute to life's processes.

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