Biological Macromolecules Quiz

Biological Macromolecules

• Proteins:

  • Found in organelles like the nucleus, ribosomes, and Golgi apparatus; essential for DNA packaging, protein synthesis, and modification.
  • Serve diverse functions such as catalyzing reactions (enzymes), providing structural support, and regulating processes.

• Carbohydrates:

  • Located in the cytoplasm (as glucose), cell membrane (as glycoproteins and glycolipids), and stored as glycogen (animals) or starch (plants).
  • Key for energy storage, supply, and facilitating cell recognition and signaling.

• Lipids:

  • Major components of cell membranes, forming a lipid bilayer for structure and regulation of cell entry/exit.
  • Synthesized in the smooth ER and modified in the Golgi apparatus; essential for energy storage and signaling.

• Nucleic Acids:

  • Primarily found in the nucleus (DNA) and ribosomes (RNA); DNA encodes genetic information whereas RNA plays a role in protein synthesis.
  • Mitochondria contain their own DNA crucial for ATP production.

Properties of Proteins and Enzymes

• Proteins:

  • Composed of amino acids linked by peptide bonds and have unique three-dimensional structures that determine their function.
  • Exhibit properties such as specificity and the ability to denature, highlighting their functional diversity.

• Enzymes:

  • Specific types of proteins that act as biological catalysts, accelerating chemical reactions without being consumed.
  • Lower activation energy for reactions, facilitating processes necessary for life.

Anabolic vs. Catabolic Reactions

• Anabolic Reactions:

  • Synthesize larger molecules from smaller units; they require energy inputs.
  • Examples include protein synthesis and photosynthesis.

• Catabolic Reactions:

  • Break down larger molecules into smaller units, releasing energy in the process.
  • Common examples include cellular respiration and digestion.

Photosynthesis

• Chemical Formula:

  • Inputs: 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + light energy
  • Outputs: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂

• Light-Dependent Reactions:

  • Occur in thylakoid membranes; convert light energy into ATP and NADPH while releasing oxygen.

• Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle):

  • Take place in the stroma; utilize ATP and NADPH to synthesize glucose from CO₂.

• Chloroplast Structure:

  • Composed of an outer membrane, inner membrane, stroma, and thylakoids arranged in grana.

Cellular Respiration

• Chemical Formula:

  • Inputs: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂
  • Outputs: 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + ATP energy.

• Mitochondria Structure:

  • Features an outer membrane, inner membrane with cristae, intermembrane space, and mitochondrial matrix.

• ATP Production Cycle:

  • ATP is generated through the Electron Transport Chain and Chemiosmosis during oxidative phosphorylation.

• ATP Properties:

  • Functions as the primary energy carrier in cells; composed of adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups.
  • Hydrolysis of ATP to ADP releases energy for cellular activities.

Experimentation

• Interpreting Experimental Data:

  • Analyze data trends, compare experimental groups, and evaluate hypotheses for support.

• Drawing Appropriate Graphs:

  • Select graph types that best represent data relationships and results, supporting effective visualization of findings.