Biochemistry Matching Quiz

A chemical reaction that joins smaller molecules together to form larger molecules by removing a water molecule.

The breakdown of polymers into monomers by adding a water molecule.

The process of breaking down large molecules (polymers) into smaller molecules (monomers) by adding water.

The basic building block of a polymer.

A large molecule made up of many repeating monomers.

Lipids are a type of organic molecule that plays a crucial role in storing energy, forming cell membranes, and providing waterproof coverings. They consist of two types of molecules: glycerol and fatty acids. Some examples of lipids include fats, oils, waxes, steroids, and cholesterol.

Lipids are unique because they have both polar and non-polar structures. The non-polar nature of lipids prevents them from dissolving in water.

Nucleic acids are vital molecules responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information, defining the characteristics of living organisms. They are composed of elements such as Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus. Nucleic acids are made up of repeating subunits called nucleotides.

Each nucleotide consists of three parts: a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The 5-carbon sugar can be either ribose (found in RNA) or deoxyribose (found in DNA).

The nitrogenous bases in a nucleic acid are responsible for carrying the genetic information. There are different types of bases, like adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine (in DNA only), and uracil (in RNA only).

The primary source of fast energy for living organisms.

Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio.

Simple sugars are called monosaccharides, while two sugars joined together make a disaccharide.

Glucose is a simple sugar with a ring structure that is used by all living things to create energy through cellular respiration.

Complex carbohydrates are made by linking many smaller sugars (monosaccharides) together.

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This process also releases oxygen as a byproduct.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) are the starting materials for photosynthesis.

Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂) are the products of photosynthesis.

The breakdown of polymers into monomers. This process involves adding a water molecule.

Animals obtain carbon-containing molecules by consuming plants or other animals and breaking down the complex polymers into simpler monomers through hydrolysis.

DNA and RNA are the two main types of nucleic acids, each playing a critical role in our genetic blueprint. DNA, a double-stranded helix, holds the genetic code for life, while RNA, a single-stranded molecule, helps translate this code into proteins.

Proteins are like the versatile workers of the cell, performing a vast array of functions. They are constructed from chains of amino acids, with each amino acid contributing to the protein's unique structure and function.

The sequence and arrangement of amino acids in a protein determine its specific three-dimensional shape. And this shape is crucial for its biological function. Imagine a key fitting into a lock - the key's exact shape allows it to unlock the door, just like the protein's shape enables its specific job.

Enzymes, vital catalysts in chemical reactions, are a type of protein. They speed up reactions by lowering the activation energy required to start the process. Think of them as the helpers of the cell, facilitating vital processes like digestion and energy production.

Membrane transport proteins act as gatekeepers, controlling the flow of substances into and out of cells. They ensure that essential nutrients enter and waste products exit, maintaining the cell's delicate internal balance.

Macromolecules, also called biomolecules, are large organic molecules made up of repeating subunits called monomers. They are essential for life and include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

The process of joining monomers together to form polymers, releasing a water molecule in the process.

Carbon can bond with up to four other atoms, including itself, forming a wide variety of shapes and structures. This flexibility is crucial for building large and complex molecules.

Monomers are the small building blocks that join together to form polymers. Examples include amino acids (for proteins), nucleotides (for nucleic acids), and monosaccharides (for carbohydrates).

Polymers are large molecules formed by linking multiple monomers together. They have repeating structural units and are responsible for many important functions in living things.