Questions and Answers
What are macromolecules commonly referred to as?
What is the primary energy source of all organisms?
Carbohydrates
Match the types of carbohydrates with their definitions:
Monosaccharides = Single sugar units Disaccharides = Two sugar units Polysaccharides = Many sugar units
The chemical formula for glucose is ______.
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Insulin raises blood sugar levels.
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Which of the following is a type of soluble fiber?
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What does glucagon do?
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What are the building blocks of proteins called?
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Fiber is completely digestible by the human body.
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How does excess sugar intake affect health?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Biochemistry
- General Chemistry studies matter, its properties, composition, and reactivity.
- Organic Chemistry focuses on carbon-containing compounds and their properties, reactions, and structures.
- Inorganic Chemistry involves non-carbon-based compounds and organometallic substances.
- Biology explores living organisms; biologists specialize in various life forms.
- Cells are the basic units of life, with eukaryotic cells possessing a nucleus that contains DNA.
Macromolecules
- Macromolecules, also known as "giant molecules" or "polymers," are large structures essential for life.
- Made up of monomers, the smaller building blocks that combine to form long chains.
- Nucleic acids like DNA and RNA are key biomolecules composed of nucleotides.
Carbohydrates
- Carbohydrates are the primary energy source for organisms and the most abundant organic molecules in nature.
- General formula: (CH2O)n, indicating the presence of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
- Three main types: sugars (monosaccharides), starches (polysaccharides), and fibers.
Simple Carbohydrates
- Monosaccharides are single sugar units (C6H12O6):
- Glucose (blood sugar), essential for cell function.
- Fructose (fruit sugar), found in fruits and converted to glucose.
- Galactose, part of lactose in milk.
- Disaccharides (C12H22O11) are formed by two monosaccharides:
- Sucrose (glucose + fructose), table sugar.
- Lactose (glucose + galactose), milk sugar.
- Maltose (glucose + glucose), found in germinating seeds.
Complex Carbohydrates
- Polysaccharides are long chains of monosaccharides:
- Glycogen (animal storage form), stored in liver and muscles.
- Starch (plant storage form), found in grains and root vegetables.
- Fiber, mostly indigestible and important for plant cell walls.
Digestion of Carbohydrates
- Two types of digestion: mechanical (chewing) and chemical (enzymes).
- In the mouth: Salivary amylase breaks down polysaccharides into disaccharides.
- In the stomach: Fiber contributes to feelings of fullness.
- In the small intestine: Enzymes like maltase further break down maltose to glucose for energy.
Metabolism
- Glucose serves as an energy source and is stored as glycogen (⅓ liver, ⅔ muscles).
- Can also be synthesized from proteins (gluconeogenesis) or converted to fat when in excess.
- Blood glucose levels are regulated by hormones:
- Insulin (lowers blood sugar),
- Glucagon (increases blood sugar),
- Epinephrine (emergency glucose release).
Health Effects of Sugar
- Excessive sugar consumption can lead to malnutrition, despite contributing to obesity.
- Sugar contributes to dental caries and can be linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Recommended sugar intake should be limited to no more than 25% of total daily energy.
Types and Benefits of Fiber
- Soluble fibers: slow glucose absorption, reduce cholesterol, and lower heart disease risk.
- Sources include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
- Insoluble fibers aid in digestion and promote bowel health.
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Description
Test your understanding of the foundational concepts in Biochemistry. This quiz covers essential terms such as General Chemistry and Macromolecules, vital for grasping the science of living organisms. Perfect for first semester students looking to solidify their knowledge.
