Biological Molecules and Macromolecules Quiz

Making an observation about a phenomenon

A testable explanation based on available information

Determining their existing understanding

To gather information and understand what is already known about the topic

A body of statements of varying degrees of certainty

The scientific method

Unsaturated fatty acids

Cis configuration

Saturated fatty acids

Phospholipids

It contributes to the structural integrity of biological membranes

Four carbon-based rings

The atomic number

Elements with different mass numbers

Covalent bonds

Atoms with a different number of protons and electrons

The ability to attract electrons

Hydrophilic molecules

Forming generalizations based on specific observations or evidence

To have nothing added

The ability to provide testable predictions

To validate hypotheses

The simplest explanation is the most likely

Neutrons and protons

Enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror images of each other, occurring when a C atom has 4 different attachments

Due to their non-polar covalent bonds

Lipids

Condensation synthesis

Short chains of 2 or more sugar monomers

Energy storage

Scientific knowledge is a body of statements of varying degrees of certainty -- some most unsure, some nearly sure, none absolutely certain.

The scientific method serves as a structured approach aimed at assisting individuals in determining their existing understanding, uncovering fresh insights, and assessing the level of certainty they can have in their knowledge.

1. Observation: The first step to make an observation or ask a question. 2. Research: Conduct background research to gather information and understand what is already known. 3. Hypothesis: Form a testable explanation based on available information.

A hypothesis is a testable explanation or educated guess based on available information. It predicts the outcome of an experiment or observation.

Background research helps in forming hypotheses and designing experiments or studies by gathering information and understanding what is already known about the topic.

The scientific method is used to investigate how natural phenomena work and to gain new knowledge and insight.

Electronegativity measures an atom's ability to attract electrons, affecting the type of chemical bonds formed. Polar covalent bonds involve unequal sharing of electrons, leading to partial charges, while ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons.

Isotopes are elements with the same atomic number but different mass numbers, and they can be stable or radioactive.

Water is fundamental to life, with unique properties due to extensive hydrogen bonding, exhibiting cohesion and adhesion.

Hydrophilic molecules may be soluble in water, while hydrophobic molecules are composed largely of non-polar covalent bonds.

Carbon is the backbone of life, with all biological molecules being carbon-based and carbon atoms always having four bonds.

Chemical bonds between atoms are based on electrons, with different types of bonds like single, double, triple, and no quadruple bonds. Chemical bonds are always in pairs, with the sharing of electrons in covalent bonds being either non-polar or polar.

Induction-based science uses inductive reasoning to form generalizations based on specific observations or evidence, while hypothesis-based science uses the hypothetico-deductive method to test hypotheses through experimentation, leading to accepted or refuted hypotheses.

The two kinds of hypotheses are testable (potentially refutable) and non-testable (cannot provide testable predictions). An example of a testable hypothesis is 'Increasing the temperature will speed up the rate of chemical reaction.' An example of a non-testable hypothesis is 'There is an afterlife.'

Occam's Razor suggests that the simplest explanation is the most likely when several explanations are compatible with the evidence at hand. It encourages scientists to favor the simplest and most straightforward explanation.

All experiments require a control, including positive controls (known treatment) and negative controls (nothing added). Control groups provide a baseline for comparison to evaluate the impact of the treatment being tested.

Theories attempt to explain a large number of phenomena and become accepted if supported by a large body of evidence, whereas hypotheses are specific, testable statements that can be supported or refuted through experimentation and observation.

The fundamental principle is the willingness to reject old ideas in favor of new ones based on evidence. This process of testing and rejecting ideas is essential for scientific progress and the advancement of knowledge.

Condensation synthesis is the process by which macromolecules are formed through the covalent bonding of monomer subunits. This occurs through the loss of a water molecule, allowing the monomers to link together to form larger polymers.

Enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror images of each other, and their presence can have significant biological implications, particularly in the context of drug interactions and physiological processes.

Monosaccharides are single sugar units with 5-6 carbon atoms, exist in equilibrium between linear and ring forms, and are highly water-soluble. Oligosaccharides are short chains of 2 or more sugar monomers, formed by condensation synthesis, and can include longer chains up to 16-18 monosaccharide monomers. Polysaccharides are large macromolecules with hundreds to thousands of linked monomer subunits, poorly water-soluble but hydrophilic.

Triglycerides, or fats, consist of three fatty acids covalently attached to a glycerol and are primarily used as energy storage molecules in biological systems.

Lipids are typically not soluble in water due to their non-polar covalent bonds, which result in their hydrophobic nature, making them insoluble in the polar solvent of water.

The process of forming fats involves three condensation reactions, releasing three molecules of water as the fatty acids covalently attach to the glycerol molecule.

Unsaturation in fatty acids introduces kinks or bends into the fatty acid chain, promoting fluidity by preventing close packing of fat molecules. Saturated fats (predominantly saturated fatty acids) are solid at room temperature, such as butter and lard. Polyunsaturated fats (containing polyunsaturated fatty acids) are liquid at room temperature, such as seed oils (canola oil, olive oil, vegetable oil) and omega 3’s.

Phospholipids consist of a glycerol backbone, two fatty acids, and a hydrophilic head group with a charged phosphate group and an attached polar or charged molecule. They are essential components of biological membranes, contributing to their structural integrity by forming the phospholipid bilayer. The hydrophilic head groups interact with the surrounding aqueous environment, while the hydrophobic tails are nestled in the center of the bilayer away from water.

Steroids are hydrophobic lipids with a common structure consisting of four carbon-based rings. They serve hormonal roles, regulating physiological processes (e.g., estrogen and testosterone), and structural roles, influencing membrane fluidity and structural properties.

The phosphate group in cellular biology plays a significant role, contributing to the amphipathic nature of phospholipids. It contains a charged phosphate group (PO4^3-) and an attached polar or charged molecule, making the hydrophilic head group of phospholipids. The phosphate group is essential for the structural integrity of biological membranes.

In the cis configuration, both hydrogens are on the same side of the hydrocarbon chain, causing a kink in the chain, promoting fluidity. In the trans configuration, the hydrogens are on opposite sides, leading to a straighter chain and decreased fluidity.

Steroids, as components of biological membranes, impact membrane fluidity by influencing the structural properties of the membrane. Their hydrophobic nature and structural roles contribute to the organization and fluidity of the lipid bilayer.