Biological Macromolecules Overview

Questions and Answers

What are lipids?

Only waxes and steroids

Compounds that are soluble in water

Compounds that are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents (correct)

Only fats and oils

What are carbohydrates?

Organic compounds consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, usually in a ratio.

What is a biological macromolecule?

A large molecule contrasted with micromolecules, often found in biological systems.

What are nucleic acids?

Complex compounds found in all living cells and viruses, composed of purines, pyrimidines, carbohydrates, and phosphoric acid. Signup and view all the answers

What is a protein?

A substance that has amino acids and is made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Signup and view all the answers

What is a monomer?

A molecule that can join with other monomers to form a polymer. Signup and view all the answers

What is a polymer?

A compound consisting of large molecules formed from repeated simple monomers. Signup and view all the answers

What are lipids?

Insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. Signup and view all the answers

What are polymers?

Large molecules made up of linked series of repeated simple monomers. Signup and view all the answers

What are protein enzymes?

Catalysts that speed up biochemical reactions in living organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What are the elements in proteins?

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lipids

Organic compounds that are insoluble in water yet soluble in organic solvents.
Include natural oils, waxes, and steroids.
Key types: fats, oils, and waxes.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically in a ratio of 1:2:1.
Commonly serve as energy sources and structural components in living organisms.

Biological Macromolecules

Large complex molecules essential for biological functions; contrast with smaller micromolecules.
Four main types: proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Nucleic Acids

Complex compounds found in all living cells and viruses.
Composed of nucleotides, containing purines, pyrimidines, carbohydrates, and phosphoric acid.

Proteins

Substances consisting of amino acids, which are vital for various biological functions.
Composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.

Monomers

Small molecules that can join together through chemical bonds to form larger structures known as polymers.
Serve as the building blocks of biological macromolecules.

Polymers

Compounds formed by linking repeated simple monomers into larger molecules.
Naturally occurring (like DNA and proteins) or synthetic (like plastics).

Lipid Overview

Essential for storing energy, signaling, and acting as structural components of cell membranes.

Polymer Overview

Polymers can be natural (e.g., proteins, starch) or synthetic (e.g., nylon, plastics) and play critical roles in various fields, including biology and materials science.

Protein Enzymes

Proteins that act as catalysts to accelerate biochemical reactions in living organisms.
Essential for metabolic processes and regulation within cells.

Elements of Life

Key elements include carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous, and sulfur, crucial for forming biological macromolecules.

Description

Test your understanding of biological macromolecules, including lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids. This quiz covers their structures, functions, and essential characteristics. Perfect for students studying biology and biochemistry!