Biochemistry Overview Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of carbohydrates in the human body?

Provide a primary source of energy (correct)

Store information in DNA

Act as enzymes in chemical reactions

Regulate body temperature

Which of the following statements is true about lipids?

They function solely in energy storage.

They consist mostly of hydrophobic chemical moieties. (correct)

They include carbohydrates as a subclass.

They are primarily hydrophilic molecules.

What defines biochemistry as a field of study?

The investigation of cosmetic products' marketing strategies

The understanding of cellular architecture

The analysis of energy production in cells

The study of chemical substances and vital processes in live organisms (correct)

How is glycogen primarily stored in the human body?

In the liver and muscles Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of understanding biochemistry in relation to cosmetic products?

To understand biochemical processes affected by these products Signup and view all the answers

Which cellular organelles are primarily influenced by biochemistry?

Mitochondria and ribosomes Signup and view all the answers

What are the essential processes performed by a human cell classified as?

Growth and reproduction Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sugar is NOT part of carbohydrate classifications?

Nucleosaccharides Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for the process where a cell decreases the quantity of a cellular component in response to an external stimulus?

Downregulation Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the difference between the genome and epigenome?

The genome is the complete genetic information of an organism. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the function of enzymes in biochemical reactions?

They act as catalysts without changing in the process. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following products is known to have epigenetic effects?

Green tea polyphenols Signup and view all the answers

What role do cofactors play in enzyme activity?

They are necessary for enzyme functionality. Signup and view all the answers

What is upregulation in the context of gene expression?

An increase in the quantity of cellular components. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of enzymes allows them to sustain life at normal body temperatures?

They significantly increase the reaction rate. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT influence epigenetic modifications?

Genetic sequence Signup and view all the answers

What type of amino acids must be obtained through the diet?

Essential amino acids Signup and view all the answers

Which nitrogenous base is only found in RNA?

Uracil Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of DNA in a cell?

Genetic material and instructions for protein synthesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins?

Storing genetic information Signup and view all the answers

Which components make up a nucleotide?

Phosphate group, pentose sugar, nitrogenous base Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the structure of RNA?

Single stranded with a ribose backbone Signup and view all the answers

How are the two polynucleotide strands in DNA connected?

Hydrogen bonds Signup and view all the answers

What is a codon?

A sequence of three nucleotides Signup and view all the answers

Which biomolecule cannot be synthesized by human cells and must be obtained from the diet?

Vitamins Signup and view all the answers

What is the sugar component in DNA?

Deoxyribose Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of messenger RNA in the process of transcription?

To carry the genetic code from the nucleus to the cytoplasm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the flow of genetic information in the central dogma of molecular biology?

DNA → RNA → protein Signup and view all the answers

During translation, what is the function of transfer RNA (tRNA)?

To recognize codons on the mRNA and carry specific amino acids Signup and view all the answers

What occurs at the initiation codon AUG during translation?

The first amino acid-tRNA complex binds to the mRNA Signup and view all the answers

How does the polypeptide chain elongate during translation?

By one amino acid at a time via peptide bond formation Signup and view all the answers

What is a polysome?

A group of ribosomes translating a single mRNA molecule simultaneously Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a stop codon is reached during translation?

The newly formed protein is released Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between transcription and translation in protein synthesis?

Transcription converts DNA to RNA, and translation converts RNA to protein Signup and view all the answers

What type of enzyme specificity allows an enzyme to act on a specific type of chemical bond?

Linkage specificity Signup and view all the answers

How do the majority of enzymes derive their names?

Based on their function Signup and view all the answers

What happens to enzymes when the temperature exceeds optimal levels?

They denature Signup and view all the answers

Which step does NOT occur during enzyme activity?

The substrate is modified by an external catalyst Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept that describes the interaction between an enzyme and its substrate, much like a key fits a lock?

Lock and key theory Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT significantly affect enzyme activity?

Humidity levels Signup and view all the answers

What type of enzyme would likely break down fats?

Lipase Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes group specificity in enzymes?

Enzymes act on multiple types of molecules with similar structures Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes reversible enzyme inhibitors from irreversible ones?

Reversible inhibitors can restore enzymatic activity once removed. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes ATP?

ATP captures and stores energy in its bonds. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of Co-enzyme Q10 in the body?

It is part of the electron transport chain for energy production. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

Protein synthesis and post-translational modifications. Signup and view all the answers

Which organelle is primarily responsible for the digestion of obsolete cell components?

Lysosomes Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about peroxisomes is accurate?

They provide a compartment for oxidation reactions and lipid biosynthesis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of mitochondria in cells?

They break down glucose to produce ATP. Signup and view all the answers

What function does the Golgi apparatus serve in the cell?

It processes and sorts proteins from the ER for transport. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Principles of Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of chemical substances and vital processes in living organisms.
Topics covered include DNA replication and transcription, enzymes and cofactors, ATP, and energy production.

Introduction to Biochemistry

Cosmetic products often claim to influence biochemical skin processes.
Some products claim to supply compounds that decline with aging, others to enhance or decrease cellular organelle activities.
A thorough understanding of biochemistry is crucial to appreciate the proposed mechanisms of action.

Definition of Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical substances and vital processes occurring in living organisms.

Structure of an Animal Cell

Includes a diagram showing organelles like the mitochondria, ribosomes, Golgi complex, plasma membrane, nucleus (with nucleolus and nuclear pores), endoplasmic reticulum (rough and smooth), peroxisome, and secretory vesicles.
A link is provided for more detailed explanations for each cellular part.
Human cells are complex bioreactors and perform all required processes for survival, growth and reproduction.

Biomolecules - Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are divided into monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides.
They serve as a primary energy source for the body and are stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles.
Carbohydrates are water-soluble.

Biomolecules - Lipids

Lipids are organic molecules primarily composed of mostly hydrophobic chemical moieties, such as fatty acids, sterols.
Major types of lipids include triglycerides, phospholipids, and ceramides.
Sterols like cholesterol, testosterone, and estrogen are also lipids.

Biomolecules - Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins

There are 21 different types of amino acids, 9 essential (need to be obtained from diet).
Amino acids have an amine group, carboxylic acid group, and a variable R-group.
They form proteins via peptide bonds.
Proteins have a variety of structures (primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary).

Biomolecules - Other Small Molecules

ATP, hormones (e.g., cAMP, NO, hydrocortisone), vitamins (co-factors essential in biological processes and can't be synthesized by the human cells), and minerals are covered.

Biomolecules - Nucleic Acids

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) are nucleic acids.
The structural unit is the nucleotide.
Nucleotides consist of a phosphate group, a pentose sugar (5-carbon), and a nitrogenous base.

The Nitrogenous Bases

There are 5 different nitrogen containing bases: Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G), and Uracil (U).
A and G are large two-ringed bases (purines).
C, T, and U are smaller, single-ringed bases (pyrimidines).

DNA Structure

DNA is double-stranded forming a double helix.
The two strands are joined by hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs (A with T, C with G).
Alternating sugar and phosphate molecules form the backbone of each DNA strand.
Sugar in DNA is deoxyribose.
Nucleotides are joined via phosphodiester linkages.

RNA Structure

RNA is single-stranded.
The sugar in RNA is ribose.
Bases in RNA are A, U, C, and G.
There are three main types of RNA: tRNA, rRNA, and mRNA.

Summary: DNA vs RNA

DNA is the genetic material, directing protein synthesis & self-replicating; located in the nucleus.
RNA carries out genetic instructions; found in the cytoplasm; involved in protein synthesis.
Summary table of differences (Major cellular site, Major function, Sugar, Bases, Structure) is presented.

DNA → RNA → Amino Acids

DNA is the master blueprint for protein synthesis.
A gene is a segment of DNA that codes for a polypeptide chain.
Information is in the sequence of bases.
Codons consist of three bases and encode amino acids.
Processes involved are transcription and translation.

The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

DNA is transcribed into RNA.
RNA is translated into protein.

Transcription - RNA Synthesis

DNA stays in the nucleus.
RNA copies DNA's information and carries the "code" to the cytoplasm for protein synthesis.
The process of copying is transcription.

Translation - Protein Synthesis

Translation occurs in ribosomes (free or bound).
Transfer RNA (tRNA) links mRNA to proteins/amino acids.
tRNA recognizes codons on mRNA for specific amino acids.

Mechanism of Enzyme Activity

Enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions by binding to substrates at their active sites.
The enzyme-substrate complex undergoes changes forming a product.
The product is released, leaving the enzyme free to catalyze additional reactions.

Lock & Key Theory

Enzyme shape strongly determines the active site.
The lock-and-key theory describes the precise fit between the enzyme's active site and the substrate.

Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity

Temperature: Optimal temperature range; enzymes denature outside the range.
pH: Optimal pH range; changes in pH alter enzyme shape.
Substrate concentration: increasing the substrate increases the rate of enzyme catalyzed reactions until it reaches a certain threshold.
Enzyme concentration: increasing the enzyme concentration increases the rate until a certain threshold.
Inhibition: substances that alter or stop enzyme activity. Inhibitors can be reversible or irreversible.

Enzyme Cofactors

Many enzymes require cofactors (coenzymes or metal ions) for activity.
Table with a list of cofactors and corresponding enzymes.

Enzymes and Collagen Synthesis

Collagen synthesis involves enzymes to regulate collagen production.
Necessary elements for collagen synthesis are listed.

ATP and Energy Production

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is the main energy currency in the body.
Energy from food is captured and stored in ATP bonds.
ATP has a molecular weight of 507 Da and is water soluble.

Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration is the process for ATP production.
Glucose is broken down to release energy for ATP synthesis.

Co-enzyme Q10 (ubiquinone)

Ubiquinone is a fat-soluble compound found in mitochondria.
It is a part of the electron transport chain, crucial for generating most of the body's energy.

Components of an Animal Cell

Detailed information for Centrioles, Peroxisomes, Smooth endoplasmic Reticulum (ER), Rough ER and Golgi complex/ apparatus, Lysosomes, Vacuoles and Mitochondria is provided.
Function and structure of each organelle presented.

Epigenetics

Epigenome are chemical compounds marking/modifying the genome altering DNA instructions.
Epigenetic factors can activate or deactivate genes.
They do not change the DNA sequence but affect related proteins.
Examples of possible epigenetic effects from products.

Gene Regulation

Cell mechanisms are used to increase or decrease the production of RNA or proteins following specific gene products.
Regulation occurs at several points along the pathway.
Examples are Transcriptional control, RNA processing control, RNA transport control and translation control are presented.

Upregulation and Downregulation

Upregulation and downregulation increase or decrease the quantity of a cellular component (RNA or protein), in response to an external stimulus.
Example about a specific study relating to urban particulate matter and how these components downregulate various related components is presented.

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Description

Test your knowledge on essential concepts in biochemistry, including the roles of carbohydrates, lipids, and cellular processes. This quiz covers fundamental topics that are crucial for understanding biochemistry's impact on human health and its applications, such as in cosmetics. Dive into the cellular world and discover how biomolecules function uniquely in our bodies.