Week 2 Biological Macromolecules Quiz

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What type of structure do phospholipids form in biological membranes?

Bilayers (correct)

Vesicles

Micelles

Monolayers

Which of the following compounds are classified as eicosanoids?

Testosterone

Prostaglandins (correct)

Arachidonic acid

Cholesterol

What is the parent steroid from which other steroids are synthesized?

Estrogen

Cholesterol (correct)

Aldosterone

Cortisol

Which statement is true regarding the nature of phospholipids?

Phospholipids are amphipathic with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. Signup and view all the answers

What role do eicosanoids typically play in physiological processes?

Act on cells close to their site of production. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes essential fatty acids?

They must be obtained from the diet. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main structural difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?

Unsaturated fats have double bonds in their chains. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential health risk of a diet high in saturated fats?

Increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fat is typically solid at room temperature?

Saturated fat. Signup and view all the answers

What is produced during the hydrogenation process of unsaturated fats?

Both saturated and trans unsaturated fats. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about triglycerides is correct?

They consist of three fatty acids and one glycerol molecule. Signup and view all the answers

In which configuration do double bonds usually exist in unsaturated fats?

Cis configuration. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of fats derived from plants?

They are usually unsaturated fats. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes proteins from other macromolecules?

They are polymers of amino acids. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component that all amino acids share?

A carboxyl group (−COOH). Signup and view all the answers

Which combination correctly identifies the four major classes of biological macromolecules?

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids. Signup and view all the answers

What type of bond links amino acids together to form proteins?

Peptide bonds. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT true for carbohydrates?

They provide genetic information. Signup and view all the answers

What is the general formula for carbohydrates?

(CH2O)n Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a structural polysaccharide?

Cellulose. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of lipid is primarily used for energy storage in the body?

Triglycerides. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the primary structure of proteins?

The sequence of amino acids in a chain. Signup and view all the answers

How are amino acids categorized based on their R groups?

By their charge and polarity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about lipids is correct?

They can function as both energy storage and heat insulation. Signup and view all the answers

What role do disulfide bridges play in protein structure?

They maintain the tertiary structure. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of nucleic acids?

They store and transmit genetic information. Signup and view all the answers

In which level of protein structure do α-helices and β-sheets occur?

Secondary structure. Signup and view all the answers

Which lipoprotein is commonly referred to as 'bad cholesterol' due to its association with cardiovascular disease?

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of cholesterol in the human body?

Internal synthesis by the liver Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following nitrogenous bases is present in RNA but not in DNA?

Uracil (U) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the structure of DNA?

Double-stranded helix Signup and view all the answers

What type of bond links nucleotides together in a polynucleotide chain?

Phosphodiester bond Signup and view all the answers

Which type of RNA is responsible for carrying the genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes for protein synthesis?

Messenger RNA (mRNA) Signup and view all the answers

Which family of nitrogenous bases includes adenine and guanine?

Purines Signup and view all the answers

What components make up a nucleotide?

Nitrogenous base, pentose sugar, and phosphate group Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of RNA matches the correct function?

rRNA - forms the core of ribosomes Signup and view all the answers

In terms of energy storage, which macromolecule stores the most energy in the human body?

Fats Signup and view all the answers

Which process occurs when two monosaccharides bond together through the loss of a water molecule?

Dehydration synthesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about RNA is incorrect?

RNA includes thymine as a nitrogenous base Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the 'pairing rule' in nucleic acids?

A pairs with T, C pairs with G Signup and view all the answers

What are the main differences between LDL and HDL in relation to cardiovascular health?

LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is considered 'bad' cholesterol as it contributes to cardiovascular disease, whereas HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is viewed as 'good' cholesterol as it helps to prevent such diseases. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the structure and function of DNA in cells.

DNA is a double-helical structure composed of nucleotides that serves as the genetic repository for organisms and directs the synthesis of messenger RNA for protein synthesis. Signup and view all the answers

What role do nitrogenous bases play in the structure of nucleic acids?

Nitrogenous bases pair up according to specific rules (A with T and C with G in DNA, A with U in RNA), enabling the formation of the genetic code that determines an organism's traits. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the process of dehydration synthesis in the context of macromolecule formation.

Dehydration synthesis occurs when two monomers bond together through the removal of a water molecule, forming polymers such as carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main types of RNA, and what is the primary function of each?

The three types of RNA are messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries genetic information from DNA; ribosomal RNA (rRNA), which forms the core of ribosomes; and transfer RNA (tRNA), which brings amino acids to the ribosome for protein synthesis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main process by which unsaturated fats are converted to saturated fats?

Hydrogenation. Signup and view all the answers

What is required in the diet because the human body cannot synthesize it?

Essential fatty acids. Signup and view all the answers

What are triglycerides composed of?

Glycerol and three fatty acids. Signup and view all the answers

What type of fats are primarily liquid at room temperature?

Unsaturated fats. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fatty acids are most animal fats classified as?

Saturated fatty acids. Signup and view all the answers

What configuration do double bonds in unsaturated fats usually have?

Cis configuration. Signup and view all the answers

What health risk is associated with a diet high in saturated fats?

Cardiovascular disease. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes saturated fats from unsaturated fats?

Saturated fats have no double bonds; unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds. Signup and view all the answers

How many carbon atoms typically make up fatty acids?

Usually 4 to 24 carbon atoms. Signup and view all the answers

What byproduct can result from the hydrogenation process?

Trans unsaturated fats. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four major classes of biological macromolecules?

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Signup and view all the answers

How are amino acids linked together to form proteins?

Amino acids are linked by peptide bonds, formed between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the primary structure of a protein?

The primary structure is a linear sequence of amino acids linked by covalent bonds. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of carbohydrates in living organisms?

Carbohydrates serve as a source of energy and play roles in structural integrity and cellular communication. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of R groups in amino acids?

R groups determine the properties and classification of amino acids, influencing protein structure and function. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the quaternary structure of proteins.

The quaternary structure refers to the spatial arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains forming a multi-subunit complex. Signup and view all the answers

How do lipids differ from carbohydrates in terms of energy storage?

Lipids provide more calories per gram than carbohydrates and are less oxidized, making them more efficient energy storage molecules. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes monosaccharides from polysaccharides?

Monosaccharides are simple sugars that cannot be broken down further, whereas polysaccharides are long chains of monosaccharides. Signup and view all the answers

What structural feature distinguishes phospholipids from other lipids?

Phospholipids have a hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic fatty acid tails, making them amphipathic. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the origin and significance of eicosanoids in the body.

Eicosanoids are derived from C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids like arachidonic acid and are important for local cell signaling. Signup and view all the answers

What is the general backbone structure of steroids?

Steroids possess a structure with 17 carbon atoms arranged in four fused rings. Signup and view all the answers

How do phospholipids contribute to the function of biological membranes?

Phospholipids form bilayers that create a barrier and enable the fluidity of cell membranes. Signup and view all the answers

What physiological roles do prostaglandins, a type of eicosanoid, play in the body?

Prostaglandins are involved in processes like inflammation, pain signaling, and regulation of blood flow. Signup and view all the answers

Identify one crucial function of cholesterol in the body.

Cholesterol is vital for maintaining the integrity and fluidity of cell membranes. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes eicosanoids from other lipid molecules in terms of their action?

Eicosanoids act on cells close to their production site and are rapidly degraded. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the relationship between steroids and hormones.

Many steroid molecules function as hormones, regulating diverse physiological processes in the body. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of amphipathic properties in phospholipids.

The amphipathic nature allows phospholipids to form bilayers, crucial for creating functional cell membranes. Signup and view all the answers

What type of fatty acid is eicosanoids primarily derived from?

Eicosanoids are primarily derived from C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biological Macromolecules

All living organisms are made up of cells, which contain atoms and biomolecules.
The most prevalent atoms in the human body are oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen.
Biomolecules with large molecular weights are called macromolecules.
There are four main classes of macromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Building Blocks of Macromolecules

Macromolecules are polymers formed from smaller building blocks called monomers.
Carbohydrates are made from monosaccharides (simple sugars).
Lipids are assembled from fatty acids and glycerol.
Proteins are constructed from amino acids.
Nucleic acids are polymers of nucleotides.

Big 4 Macromolecules - (1) Proteins

Proteins are polymers of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds.
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
Each amino acid has a primary amine group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), a hydrogen atom (-H), and a variable R group (or side chain) attached to a central carbon atom (alpha carbon).

Amino Acids

The R group differentiates amino acids based on its characteristics: non-polar, polar, acidic, and basic.
Amino acids can be further categorized as essential or non-essential based on whether the human body can synthesize them.

Peptides

Short chains of amino acids are called peptides.
Dipeptide: 2 amino acids
Tripeptide: 3 amino acids
Oligopeptide: a few amino acids
Polypeptide: many amino acids
Protein: > 40 amino acids

Protein Structure

Proteins have four levels of structure: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary.
Primary structure: the linear sequence of amino acids.
Secondary structure: the arrangement of adjacent amino acids in a coiled manner, forming alpha-helixes and beta-sheets.
Tertiary structure: the three-dimensional arrangement of all amino acids in a folded single polypeptide chain.
Quaternary structure: the spatial relationship among different polypeptide chains within a protein with multiple subunits.

Protein Conformation

Proteins fold into specific three-dimensional shapes called conformations.
Functional, folded proteins are called "native" conformations.
Conformation is determined by the amino acid sequence.

Intermolecular Forces in Proteins

Various forces stabilize protein structures:
- Hydrogen bonds
- Hydrophobic interactions
- Ionic or electrostatic bonds
- Disulfide bridges

Biological Functions of Proteins

Proteins perform numerous biological functions:
- Enzymatic catalysis
- Transport and storage
- Mechanical functions
- Movement
- Protection
- Information processing

Big 4 Macromolecules - (2) Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms in a ratio of 1:2:1, or with the general formula (CH2O)n.
They are a source of energy and can be quickly mobilized.
Carbohydrates are synthesized by photosynthesis in plants.

Classification of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are classified based on their structure:
- Monosaccharides: simple sugars that cannot be broken down further (e.g., glucose, galactose, fructose).
- Disaccharides: two monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds (e.g., maltose, lactose, sucrose).
- Oligosaccharides: 3 to 10 monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds.
- Polysaccharides: polymers of monosaccharides (e.g., starch, cellulose, glycogen).

Monosaccharides

Glucose is a key monosaccharide:
- Building block for di- and poly-saccharides.
- Known as blood sugar in the human body.
- Normal blood glucose level: 70-99 mg per 100 mL blood (mg/dL).

Polysaccharides

Three important polysaccharides for humans:
- Glycogen: energy-storage polysaccharide produced by the liver, muscles, brain, uterus, and vagina.
- Starch: energy-storage polysaccharide found in plants.
- Cellulose: structural polysaccharide providing strength to plant cell walls, not digestible by humans.

Biological Functions of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates have multiple roles:
- Energy stores
- Fuels
- Metabolic intermediates
- Structural elements of DNA, RNA, and cells

Big 4 Macromolecules - (3) Lipids

Lipids are mainly composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen with hydrocarbon chains.
They are insoluble in water due to their hydrophobic nature.
Lipids are essential for energy storage, heat insulation, and other functions.

Classification of Lipids

Five main types of lipids in humans:
- Fatty acids: chains of carbon atoms with a carboxyl group at one end and a methyl group at the other. Can be saturated or unsaturated.
- Triglycerides: commonly known as "fats," composed of glycerol and three fatty acids (can be saturated or unsaturated).
- Phospholipids: contain two fatty acids and a phosphate group attached to glycerol. Form the basis of cell membranes.
- Eicosanoids: derived from C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., arachidonic acid). Function as physiologically and pharmacologically active compounds.
- Steroids: lipids with a characteristic 4-ring structure. Cholesterol is a key steroid involved in cell membranes and nervous system function. Other steroids include hormones and bile acids.

Cholesterol

Lipoproteins are droplets in the blood that are a complex of cholesterol, fat, phospholipids and protein
Bad cholesterol is low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which has a high ratio of lipid to protein and contributes to cardiovascular disease
Good cholesterol is high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which has a lower ratio of lipid to protein and may help to prevent cardiovascular disease
Only ~15% of cholesterol comes from the diet, the other 85% is internally synthesized, primarily by the liver

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are polymers of nucleotides, i.e., polynucleotides
Each nucleotide consists of a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar (i.e., a monosaccharide) and a phosphate group
The portion of a nucleotide without the phosphate group is called a nucleoside

The Two Common Nucleic Acids

deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) contains a 2'-deoxyribose
ribonucleic acid (RNA) contains a ribose
DNA is the repository of our genes
DNA directs the synthesis of messenger RNA (mRNA), which controls protein synthesis

Nitrogenous Bases

Two families of nitrogenous bases: Purines (adenine and guanine) have double rings and pyrimidines (cytosine, thymine and uracil) have single rings.
In DNA, we have A T C G
In RNA, we have A U C G
Pairing rule: A pairs with T ; C pairs with G

Polynucleotides

Nucleic acids are polynucleotides
Linear polymers of nucleotides formed as 5'-nucleoside monophosphates are successively added to the 3'-OH group of the preceding nucleotide
The sequence of bases along a nucleotide polymer is unique for each gene
Polynucleotides are made up of nucleotides linked by the –OH group on the 3´carbon of one nucleotide and the phosphate on the 5´carbon on the next, which is known as a phosphodiester bond
Two polynucleotides that spiral around an imaginary axis and form a double helix
DNA serve as a storage materials for genetic information in all living cells, i.e., genes

RNA

Smaller cousins of DNA
Consist of one nucleotide chain instead of double helix which means it is a single strand
Interpret the code in DNA and use those instructions to synthesize proteins
Three types of RNA: messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and transfer RNA (tRNA)
RNA contains uracil (U)

Further Info of the Big 4 Macromolecules

Fats store the most energy - ~80% of the energy in the human body and ~146 ATP from a triglyceride
Proteins are less likely to be broken down to make ATP

Macromolecules

Polymers of monosaccharides  carbohydrates
Polymers of amino acids  proteins
Polymers of nucleotides  nucleic acids
Dehydration synthesis occurs when 2 monomers bond together through the loss of a water molecule
A hydrolysis reaction occurs when a polymer dissembles into monomers, and it is the reverse of the dehydration synthesis

Biological Macromolecules

Living organisms, including humans, are composed of cells.
Cells consist of atoms and biomolecules in varying proportions.
The most abundant atoms in the human body are oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen.
Molecules are formed when atoms combine.
Macromolecules are large biomolecules with substantial molecular weight.
The four major classes of macromolecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Building Blocks of Macromolecules

Macromolecules are polymers composed of smaller building blocks called monomers.
Monomers for each macromolecule class are:
- Carbohydrates: Monosaccharides
- Lipids: Fatty acids and glycerol
- Proteins: Amino acids
- Nucleic acids: Nucleotides

Big 4 Macromolecules - (1) Proteins

Proteins are polymers of amino acids.
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and contain:
- A primary amine group (-NH2)
- A carboxyl group (-COOH)
- A hydrogen atom (-H)
- A variable R group (side chain)
All components of an amino acid are linked covalently to a central carbon atom called the alpha carbon (Cα).

Amino Acids (cont’d)

The R group of amino acids can be hydrocarbons or other functional groups like -OH, -COOH, and -NH2.
Additional carbons in the R side chain are designated as β, γ, δ, and ε.
Amino acids are categorized into four groups based on R group characteristics:
- Non-polar
- Polar
- Acidic (negatively charged)
- Basic (positively charged)

Peptides

Peptides and proteins are formed when amino acids are joined by amide bonds (peptide bonds).
The carboxyl group of one amino acid links to the amino group of another.
A chain of linked amino acids forms a polypeptide chain.
Peptides are short polymers of amino acids, classified by length:
- Dipeptide (2 amino acids)
- Tripeptide (3 amino acids)
- Oligopeptide (a few amino acids)
- Polypeptides (many amino acids)
- Proteins (> 40 amino acids)

Protein Structure

Proteins have complex structures, often visualized using ribbon and space-filling models.
The polypeptide chain folds into a specific shape known as conformation.
Functional, folded proteins are called "native" conformations.
Conformation is determined by the amino acid sequence.
Proteins have four levels of structure:
- Primary
- Secondary
- Tertiary
- Quaternary

The FOUR Levels of Protein Structure

Primary structure is a linear sequence of amino acids linked by covalent bonds (amide bonds).
Secondary structure involves the arrangement of adjacent amino acids in a coiled manner, such as α-helix and β-sheets, primarily stabilized by hydrogen bonds.
Tertiary structure is the three-dimensional arrangement of all amino acids in a folded single polypeptide chain, stabilized by hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, ionic bonds, and disulfide bridges.
Quaternary structure describes the spatial relationship among different polypeptide chains, forming assembled subunits.

Intermolecular Forces in Proteins

Proteins are stabilized by various intermolecular forces:
- Hydrogen bonds
- Hydrophobic interactions
- Ionic (electrostatic) bonds
- Disulfide bridges

Biological Functions of Proteins

Proteins perform a wide range of biological functions:
- Enzymatic catalysis
- Transport and storage
- Mechanical functions
- Movement
- Protection
- Information processing

Big 4 Macromolecules - (2) Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are compounds composed of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) with a general formula of (CH2O)n, where n is the number of carbon atoms.
For example, glucose has the formula C6H12O6.
Carbohydrates do not contain genetic information.
A source of readily accessible energy.
Also known as sugars due to their sweet taste.
Synthesized by plants through photosynthesis.

Classification of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are classified based on their structure:
- Monosaccharides (simple sugars) – cannot be broken down further, e.g., Glucose, Galactose, Fructose
- Disaccharides – two monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds, e.g., Maltose, Lactose, Sucrose
- Oligosaccharides – 3 to 10 monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds
- Polysaccharides – polymers of monosaccharides, e.g., Starch, Cellulose, Glycogen

Monosaccharides

Glucose is a prominent monosaccharide:
- Building block for di- and poly-saccharides
- Known as blood sugar
- Main simple carbohydrate in human metabolism

Polysaccharides

The three significant polysaccharides for humans are glycogen, starch, and cellulose:
- Glycogen is the energy storage polysaccharide in animals, produced by cells in the liver, muscles, brain, uterus, and vagina.
- Starch is the energy storage polysaccharide in plants, a digestible polysaccharide in the human diet.
- Cellulose is a structural polysaccharide that provides strength to plant cell walls, but humans lack the enzymes to digest it.

Biological Functions of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates serve as:
- Energy stores
- Fuels
- Metabolic intermediates
- Structural elements in DNA, RNA, and cells

Big 4 Macromolecules - (3) Lipids

Mostly composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, mainly of hydrocarbon chains.
Insoluble in water due to nonpolar covalent bonds (hydrophobic molecules).
Do not contain genetic information.
Used for energy storage and heat insulation.
Have more calories per gram than carbohydrates due to less oxidation.
Five main types of lipids in humans:
- Fatty acids
- Triglycerides
- Phospholipids
- Eicosanoids
- Steroids

i. Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are chains of carbon atoms (usually 4 to 24), with a carboxyl group at one end and a methyl group at the other.
Can be saturated or unsaturated.
Most fatty acids can be synthesized by the human body, but some (essential fatty acids) must be obtained from the diet.

ii. Triglycerides

Commonly known as "fats".
Composed of glycerol and three fatty acids.
Fats can be solid or liquid at room temperature:
- Most animal fats are saturated, making them solid at room temperature.
- Plant fats and fish fats are typically unsaturated, making them liquid at room temperature.
A diet high in saturated fats can contribute to cardiovascular disease through plaque deposits.
Hydrogenation converts unsaturated fats (cis) to saturated fats by adding hydrogen, but can produce trans unsaturated fats.

iii. Phospholipids

One glycerol molecule is attached to two fatty acids and one phosphate group.
Fatty acid tails are hydrophobic, while the phosphate group and its attachments form a hydrophilic head (amphipathic).
Important components of biological membranes, including cell membranes.

iv. Eicosanoids

Derived from C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid.
Examples include prostaglandins, thromboxane, and leukotrienes.
Active compounds with physiological and pharmacological effects.
Act locally and are rapidly degraded.

v. Steroids

Lipids with 17 carbon atoms arranged in four rings.
Cholesterol is the precursor for other steroids:
- Important component of animal cell membranes.
- Essential for proper nervous system function.
Other steroids include cortisol, aldosterone, progesterone, estrogens, testosterones, and bile acids.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a lipid found in cell membranes
It's also used to synthesize steroid hormones
"Good cholesterol" (HDL) has a lower ratio of lipid to protein and may help prevent cardiovascular disease
"Bad cholesterol" (LDL) has a high ratio of lipid to protein and contributes to cardiovascular disease
Only 15% of cholesterol comes from the diet, the remaining 85% is synthesized internally, primarily by the liver

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are polymers of nucleotides
Each nucleotide consists of a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar, and a phosphate group
The portion of a nucleotide without the phosphate group is called a nucleoside

DNA and RNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) contains a 2'-deoxyribose
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) contains a ribose
DNA is the repository of genes
DNA directs the synthesis of messenger RNA (mRNA), which controls protein synthesis

Nitrogenous Bases

Two families of nitrogenous bases: purines and pyrimidines
Purines (adenine and guanine) have double rings
Pyrimidines (cytosine, thymine, and uracil) have single rings
DNA contains A, T, C, and G
RNA contains A, U, C, and G
Pairing rule: A pairs with T; C pairs with G

Polynucleotides

Nucleic acids are polynucleotides, linear polymers of nucleotides
The sequence of bases along a nucleotide polymer is unique for each gene
Polynucleotides are made up of nucleotides linked by the –OH group on the 3' carbon of one nucleotide and the phosphate on the 5' carbon of the next - this is called a phosphodiester bond
Two polynucleotides that spiral around an imaginary axis to form a double helix - DNA serves as a storage material for genetic information in all living cells (genes)

RNA

RNA is smaller than DNA
It consists of a single nucleotide chain - not a double helix
RNA interprets the code in DNA and uses those instructions to synthesize proteins
Three types of RNA: mRNA, rRNA, and tRNA
RNA contains uracil (U)

Macromolecules

Fats store the most energy (~80% of the energy in the human body)
Proteins are less likely to be broken down to make ATP
Polymers of monosaccharides  carbohydrates
Polymers of amino acids  proteins
Polymers of nucleotides  nucleic acids

Synthesis and Breakdown of Macromolecules

Synthesis (Dehydration): two monomers bond together through the loss of a water molecule
Breakdown (Hydrolysis): a polymer breaks down into monomers, the reverse of dehydration synthesis

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on biological macromolecules, their building blocks, and the four main classes: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. This quiz explores the structure and function of these essential biomolecules in living organisms.