Biochemistry of Lipids and Carbohydrates

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What defines an unsaturated fatty acid?

An unsaturated fatty acid has one or more double bonds between carbon atoms in its hydrocarbon chain.

What is the composition of fats?

Fats are composed of glycerol and three fatty acid molecules.

How do phospholipids differ from triglycerides?

Phospholipids contain glycerol, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group, while triglycerides have glycerol and three fatty acids.

What role does cholesterol play in the body?

Cholesterol is important for cell membrane structure and is a precursor for various hormones. Signup and view all the answers

What are waxes, and where are they commonly found?

Waxes are esters of long-chain fatty acids and alcohols, commonly found on hair, skin, and plant surfaces. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary structure of a protein?

The primary structure of a protein is the linear sequence of amino acids in its polypeptide chain. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a glycolipid from a phospholipid?

Glycolipids contain glycerol, fatty acids, and simple sugars, while phospholipids include glycerol, fatty acids, and a phosphate group. Signup and view all the answers

What are polyunsaturated fatty acids believed to do for cholesterol levels?

Polyunsaturated fatty acids are believed to lower blood cholesterol levels. Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic structure of sterols?

Sterols have a structure composed of fused hydrocarbon rings and a long hydrocarbon side chain. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of proteins in living organisms?

Proteins serve vital functions and are essential building blocks for both animals and plants. Signup and view all the answers

What are the simplest sugars called and what is their general formula?

Monosaccharides are the simplest sugars, and their general formula is (CH₂O)n. Signup and view all the answers

Give two examples of disaccharides and their components.

Sucrose is made of glucose and fructose, and lactose is composed of glucose and galactose. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes reducing sugars from non-reducing sugars?

Reducing sugars have a free aldehyde or ketone group that can reduce Benedict's reagent. Signup and view all the answers

What are homopolysaccharides and give an example.

Homopolysaccharides are polymers of one type of monosaccharide; an example is starch. Signup and view all the answers

How is glucose utilized in living cells?

Glucose serves as the major fuel for living cells and is metabolized to release energy. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant feature of fructose's structure?

Fructose is a ketohexose that has a five-carbon ring structure. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to monosaccharides when they are not immediately needed by cells?

They are converted into long polymer chains called polysaccharides. Signup and view all the answers

What type of carbohydrates are formed from two monosaccharides?

Disaccharides are formed from the combination of two monosaccharides. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two monosaccharides produced from the hydrolysis of sucrose?

Glucose and fructose. Signup and view all the answers

How does starch differ from glycogen in terms of structure?

Starch has both unbranched (amylose) and branched (amylopectin) forms, while glycogen is more branched with shorter distances between side chains. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of glucose in living cells?

It serves as the most important fuel for energy production. Signup and view all the answers

What type of carbohydrate is lactose, and what monosaccharides does it produce upon hydrolysis?

Lactose is a disaccharide that produces glucose and galactose. Signup and view all the answers

What process describes the formation of disaccharides and polysaccharides from monosaccharides?

Polymerization through condensation reactions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the structural role of cellulose in plants?

Cellulose forms the structural component of cell walls in plant cells. Signup and view all the answers

Why is fructose categorized as a ketohexose?

Fructose is a six-carbon sugar with a ketone functional group. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of carbohydrates in metabolic processes?

Carbohydrates provide energy for metabolism and contribute to structural components. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main structural difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more double bonds. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary components of a triglyceride?

A triglyceride is formed from glycerol and three fatty acids. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the structure and function of phospholipids.

Phospholipids consist of glycerol, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group; they form cell membranes. Signup and view all the answers

How do waxes differ from other lipids in terms of their physical state at ordinary temperatures?

Waxes are solid at ordinary temperatures, whereas fats may be liquid or solid. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of sterols like cholesterol in cell membranes?

Sterols, such as cholesterol, are important components that help maintain membrane stability and fluidity. Signup and view all the answers

What type of lipids are formed from the combination of fatty acids and alcohols?

Simple lipids, which include fats and waxes, are formed from the combination of fatty acids and alcohols. Signup and view all the answers

Identify a key characteristic of compound lipids.

Compound lipids are esters of fatty acids with other groups like phosphates or sugars. Signup and view all the answers

What role do triglycerides play in the body?

Triglycerides serve as a source of high-energy nutrients and energy storage. Signup and view all the answers

What are simple proteins and how are they hydrolyzed?

Simple proteins are soluble in water and can be hydrolyzed by simple acids. Signup and view all the answers

Can you name a type of protein that is not coagulated by heat?

Histones are an example of a protein that is not coagulated by heat. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes conjugated proteins from simple proteins?

Conjugated proteins consist of a simple protein plus a non-protein component. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a conjugated protein.

Haemoglobin is an example of a conjugated protein. Signup and view all the answers

What are derived proteins and how are they formed?

Derived proteins are produced from native proteins via hydrolysis. Signup and view all the answers

What two main types of nucleic acids are there?

The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). Signup and view all the answers

What components make up nucleotides in nucleic acids?

Nucleotides consist of a 5-carbon sugar, phosphoric acid, and nitrogenous bases. Signup and view all the answers

Who discovered nucleic acids and in what context?

Scientists like Miescher discovered nucleic acids in pus cells. Signup and view all the answers

Disaccharide

A type of carbohydrate formed from two monosaccharide molecules joined together by a condensation reaction.

Polysaccharide

A carbohydrate made up of many monosaccharide units linked together by glycosidic bonds.