Biological Macromolecules and Reactions

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary structure of a protein?

Combination of multiple polypeptide chains

Linear sequence of amino acids (correct)

Three-dimensional shape due to R group interactions

Folding into alpha-helices and beta-sheets

Which type of nucleic acid is involved in translating genetic information into proteins?

tRNA

DNA

mRNA (correct)

rRNA

What process is essential for forming proteins from amino acids?

Hydrolysis

Molecular fission

Dehydration synthesis (correct)

Protein denaturation

What role does an enzyme play in biological systems?

Acts as a catalyst for chemical reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main outcome of hydrolysis in biological systems?

Breakdown of polymers into monomers Signup and view all the answers

What are monomers?

Single small molecules that can join to form polymers. Signup and view all the answers

Which process is responsible for linking monomers together?

Dehydration Synthesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a polysaccharide?

Glycogen Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of carbohydrates?

Energy storage and structural support Signup and view all the answers

What is the structural formula of carbohydrates represented by?

(CH2O)n Signup and view all the answers

How are disaccharides formed?

By dehydration synthesis of two monosaccharides Signup and view all the answers

Which type of lipid is primarily involved in energy storage?

Fats (Triglycerides) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of saturated fats?

Solid at room temperature Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of phospholipids in biological systems?

Forming structural components of cell membranes Signup and view all the answers

Which macromolecule is primarily responsible for carrying genetic information?

Nucleic Acids Signup and view all the answers

What do enzymes do in biological systems?

Facilitate biochemical reactions Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about unsaturated fats is true?

They are liquid at room temperature and considered healthier. Signup and view all the answers

What type of nucleic acid is involved in protein synthesis?

Both B and C Signup and view all the answers

What role do transport proteins play in the body?

They facilitate the movement of substances. 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

What component do all nucleotides contain?

A sugar molecule Signup and view all the answers

Which macromolecule serves as a major source of energy for cells?

Carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

What is the structural difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?

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

What is a common example of a polysaccharide?

Starch Signup and view all the answers

Which macromolecule is formed by long chains of amino acids?

Proteins Signup and view all the answers

What type of bond links monosaccharides together to form disaccharides?

Glycosidic bond Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of triglycerides in the body?

Energy storage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes phospholipids?

They can form lipid bilayers in aqueous environments. Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT found in an amino acid structure?

Hydroxyl group Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Monomers, Polymers, and Biological Macromolecules

Biological molecules are fundamental to life processes
Monomers are small molecules that join to form larger molecules called polymers
Polymers are chains of monomers linked together
Examples of monomers include glucose, amino acids, and nucleotides
Examples of polymers include starch, proteins, and DNA

Formation Processes

Dehydration synthesis: Monomers join by removing a water molecule
Hydrolysis: Polymers break down into monomers by adding a water molecule

Carbohydrates

Formula (CH₂O)n: Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio
Involved in energy storage and structural support
Types:
- Monosaccharides (simple sugars): Glucose, fructose, galactose
- Disaccharides (double sugars): Lactose, maltose, sucrose
- Polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates): Starch, glycogen, cellulose, chitin

Lipids

Hydrophobic molecules composed mainly of carbon and hydrogen
Roles: Energy storage, insulation, cell membrane formation
Types:
- Fats (triglycerides): Glycerol backbone and three fatty acids
  - Saturated fats: Solid at room temperature, can contribute to heart disease
  - Unsaturated fats: Liquid at room temperature, generally healthier
- Phospholipids: Major component of cell membranes
- Steroids: Composed of four fused rings, serve as hormones building blocks

Proteins

Composed of amino acids linked by peptide bonds
Diverse functions: Enzymes, structural proteins, defensive proteins, transport proteins, signal proteins, storage proteins
Structure: Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures, determined by the sequence of amino acids

Nucleic Acids

Composed of nucleotides (phosphate group, sugar, and nitrogenous base)
Types:
- DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): Stores genetic information
- RNA (ribonucleic acid): Translates genetic information
Essential for genetic information storage and transfer

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Description

Explore the world of biological molecules, including the formation and breakdown of monomers and polymers. Understand carbohydrates, lipids, and their roles in life processes. This quiz will test your knowledge of their structures and functions.