9 Questions
What is the general formula for carbohydrates and what are their primary functions in the cell?
The general formula for carbohydrates is (CH₂O)n. Their primary functions in the cell are energy storage and release, as well as serving as structural components.
What are the three main types of carbohydrates and provide an example of each?
The three main types of carbohydrates are monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Examples of each are glucose (monosaccharide), sucrose (disaccharide), and starch (polysaccharide).
What is the primary function of lipids in the cell, and how do they contribute to cellular structure?
The primary function of lipids in the cell is energy storage, and they also contribute to cellular structure as components of cell membranes and hormones.
What are the four main functions of proteins in the cell, and how do they relate to their structure?
The four main functions of proteins in the cell are to provide structural components, act as enzymes, function as hormones, and play a role in defense. Their structure, which includes primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary levels, is critical to these functions.
What is the primary function of ATP in the cell, and how does it relate to energy metabolism?
The primary function of ATP in the cell is to serve as the energy currency, facilitating energy transfer and storage. This is essential for various cellular processes, including muscle contraction and transport of molecules across membranes.
What are the two main types of nucleic acids, and what are their primary functions?
The two main types of nucleic acids are DNA and RNA. Their primary functions are to store genetic information and facilitate heredity.
What is the structure of DNA, and how does it differ from that of RNA?
The structure of DNA is a double helix, whereas RNA is typically a single strand. Both molecules are composed of nucleotides, which are sugar, phosphate, and nitrogenous base.
What is the primary function of steroids, and how do they relate to lipid structure?
The primary function of steroids is to act as hormones, and they are a type of lipid with a specific structure that includes a glycerol backbone and a steroid ring.
How do the structures of proteins and ATP relate to their functions in the cell?
The structure of proteins, which includes primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary levels, is critical to their functions as enzymes, hormones, and structural components. The structure of ATP, which includes adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups, enables it to facilitate energy transfer and storage.
Study Notes
Biological Molecules
Carbohydrates
- General formula: (CH₂O)n
- Functions:
- Energy storage and release
- Structural components (cell walls, exoskeletons)
- Types:
- Monosaccharides (simple sugars): glucose, fructose, galactose
- Disaccharides (double sugars): sucrose, lactose, maltose
- Polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates): starch, cellulose, glycogen
Lipids
- Functions:
- Energy storage
- Structural components (cell membranes, hormones)
- Insulation and buoyancy
- Types:
- Fats (triglycerides): glycerol + 3 fatty acid chains
- Phospholipids: glycerol + 2 fatty acid chains + phosphate group
- Steroids (cholesterol, hormones)
Proteins
- Functions:
- Structural components (skin, muscles, bones)
- Enzymes (catalyze reactions)
- Hormones (signaling molecules)
- Defense (antibodies)
- Structure:
- Primary: sequence of amino acids
- Secondary: alpha helices and beta sheets
- Tertiary: 3D shape
- Quaternary: protein complexes
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)
- Energy currency of the cell
- Functions:
- Energy transfer and storage
- Muscle contraction
- Transport of molecules across membranes
- Structure: adenine + ribose + 3 phosphate groups
Nucleic Acids
- Functions:
- Genetic information storage
- Heredity
- Types:
- DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)
- RNA (Ribonucleic acid)
- Structure:
- Double helix (DNA)
- Single strand (RNA)
- Nucleotides: sugar + phosphate + nitrogenous base
Biological Molecules
Carbohydrates
- General formula is (CH₂O)n
- Functions include energy storage and release, as well as being structural components of cell walls and exoskeletons
- Types of carbohydrates include:
- Monosaccharides (simple sugars) such as glucose, fructose, and galactose
- Disaccharides (double sugars) such as sucrose, lactose, and maltose
- Polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates) such as starch, cellulose, and glycogen
Lipids
- Functions include energy storage, structural components of cell membranes and hormones, and insulation and buoyancy
- Types of lipids include:
- Fats (triglycerides) composed of glycerol and 3 fatty acid chains
- Phospholipids composed of glycerol, 2 fatty acid chains, and a phosphate group
- Steroids such as cholesterol and hormones
Proteins
- Functions include being structural components of skin, muscles, and bones, enzymes that catalyze reactions, hormones that are signaling molecules, and defense through antibodies
- Structure of proteins includes:
- Primary structure: sequence of amino acids
- Secondary structure: alpha helices and beta sheets
- Tertiary structure: 3D shape
- Quaternary structure: protein complexes
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)
- Acts as the energy currency of the cell
- Functions include energy transfer and storage, muscle contraction, and transport of molecules across membranes
- Structure consists of adenine, ribose, and 3 phosphate groups
Nucleic Acids
- Functions include genetic information storage and heredity
- Types of nucleic acids include:
- DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)
- RNA (Ribonucleic acid)
- Structure of nucleic acids includes:
- Double helix structure of DNA
- Single strand structure of RNA
- Nucleotides composed of sugar, phosphate, and nitrogenous base
Learn about the general formula, functions, and types of carbohydrates, including monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Also, explore the functions of lipids, including energy storage and structural components.
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