Biological Molecules Overview
48 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is required to become a registered dietitian?

  • Completion of a supervised internship program (correct)
  • A master's degree in health sciences
  • At least two years of work experience in a hospital
  • Certification in personal training

What is the primary characteristic of lipids?

  • They are hydrophobic and insoluble in water (correct)
  • They are produced exclusively by plants
  • They are comprised solely of proteins
  • They are polar molecules that dissolve in water

Which of the following is NOT a function of lipids in cells?

  • Storing energy for long-term use
  • Providing insulation from the environment
  • Catalyzing biochemical reactions (correct)
  • Serving as building blocks of hormones

Which components make up a triglyceride?

<p>Glycerol and three fatty acids (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the carboxyl group in fatty acids?

<p>To form covalent bonds with glycerol (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of lipid is specifically known for being a major component of cellular membranes?

<p>Phospholipids (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about fatty acids is true?

<p>Fatty acids have a variable carbon chain length ranging from 4 to 36 carbons (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are the three fatty acids attached to the glycerol molecule in a triglyceride?

<p>By covalent bonds (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What determines the chemical nature of an amino acid?

<p>The R group attached to the amino acid (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of bond is formed between two amino acids?

<p>Peptide bond (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the difference between polypeptides and proteins?

<p>Proteins can consist of multiple polypeptides. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the evolutionary significance of cytochrome c?

<p>It is used to assess evolutionary relationships via protein sequencing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many amino acids are found in human cytochrome c?

<p>104 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of the shape of a protein?

<p>It is critical to its function. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which amino acid comparison shows the most similarity indicating recent common ancestry?

<p>Human and chimpanzee (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What reaction type leads to the formation of peptide bonds?

<p>Dehydration reaction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What provides structural support to plant cells?

<p>Cellulose (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of animals can digest cellulose due to the presence of specific bacteria?

<p>Herbivores (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of the exoskeleton in arthropods?

<p>Chitin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do glucosidic bonds in cellulose influence its properties?

<p>They provide rigidity and tensile strength. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does dietary fiber play as cellulose passes through the human digestive system?

<p>It cannot be broken down by human enzymes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of polysaccharides like cellulose and chitin?

<p>They are made up of monosaccharides. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes cellulose from other carbohydrates such as starch and glycogen?

<p>Cellulose has unique glucose-glucose bonds. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are registered dietitians increasingly sought after regarding obesity-related diseases?

<p>They create food and nutrition plans. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which function of proteins is specifically related to regulating physiological processes?

<p>Serving as hormones (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an enzyme mentioned in the provided content?

<p>Salivary amylase (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do changes in temperature and pH affect proteins?

<p>They can lead to denaturation and loss of function (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of proteins is critical to their function?

<p>Their sequence of amino acids (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary structural unit that makes up proteins?

<p>Amino acids (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about the R group in amino acids?

<p>It is responsible for the differences in the amino acids (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of protein is hemoglobin considered to be?

<p>Globular protein (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do enzymes play in biochemical reactions?

<p>Speeding up reactions by lowering activation energy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What determines the primary structure of a protein?

<p>The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which protein structure is characterized by hydrogen bonding forming alpha helices and beta-pleated sheets?

<p>Secondary structure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the mutation causing sickle-cell anemia affect the hemoglobin structure?

<p>It results in a structural change due to a single amino acid substitution (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall impact of the structural change in hemoglobin in sickle-cell patients?

<p>It causes red blood cells to take on a crescent shape (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What level of protein structure involves the arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains?

<p>Quaternary structure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common secondary structure of proteins?

<p>Gamma spiral (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes how changes in gene sequence might affect proteins?

<p>They can change the amino acids in a polypeptide chain (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of bond primarily stabilizes the secondary structure of proteins?

<p>Hydrogen bonds (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main types of nucleic acids?

<p>Deoxyribonucleic acid and Ribonucleic acid (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the role of RNA in cells?

<p>It acts as an intermediary in protein synthesis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What components make up a nucleotide?

<p>Nitrogenous base, pentose sugar, and phosphate group (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the structural arrangement of DNA molecules?

<p>Double helix with two intertwined strands (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nucleotide contains the genetic information?

<p>Nitrogenous base (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are the two strands of DNA bound together?

<p>Hydrogen bonds between bases (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What forms the backbone of the DNA structure?

<p>Alternating sugar and phosphate groups (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way do the bases pair in DNA?

<p>Guanine pairs with Cytosine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cellulose structure

Cellulose is a structural carbohydrate made of glucose monomers linked together in long chains. Every other glucose monomer is flipped, creating a rigid, strong structure.

Cellulose function

Cellulose provides structural support to plant cell walls.

Dietary fiber

Cellulose that passes through our digestive system without being broken down.

Herbivore digestion of cellulose

Herbivores like cows digest cellulose with the help of bacteria that produce cellulase, an enzyme that can break down cellulose into glucose for energy.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cellulase

An enzyme that breaks down cellulose into glucose monomers.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Chitin

A nitrogenous carbohydrate that forms the exoskeletons of arthropods (insects, spiders, crabs).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Carbohydrate functions

Carbohydrates serve various functions, including energy storage (starch, glycogen) and structural support and protection (cellulose, chitin).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Glucose monomers

Individual sugar units that join together to create larger carbohydrate molecules like cellulose.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Registered Dietitian

A professional who specializes in nutrition and dietary planning, often working with patients, in homes, or schools.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Lipids

A diverse group of hydrophobic (water-fearing) molecules, including fats, oils, and waxes, crucial for energy storage and insulation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hydrophobic

Describes a substance that does not mix with or dissolve in water.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fat Molecule (Triglyceride)

A type of lipid molecule composed of glycerol and three fatty acid chains, primarily serving for long-term energy storage.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Glycerol

A three-carbon molecule that serves as the backbone of a fat molecule.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fatty Acid

A long hydrocarbon chain attached to a carboxyl group, forming part of a fat molecule.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Covalent Bond

A chemical bond formed when atoms share electrons, attaching fatty acids to glycerol in a fat molecule.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Plasma Membrane

The oily, protective barrier that surrounds a cell and is partly composed of lipids, critical for maintaining cell integrity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Amino Acid R Group

The unique side chain attached to each amino acid, determining its chemical properties (acidic, basic, polar, nonpolar).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Polypeptide vs. Protein

A polypeptide is a chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds; a protein is one or more polypeptides with a specific shape and function.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Peptide Bond

A covalent bond formed between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another, releasing water.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Protein Shape and Function

The specific 3D structure of a protein determines its role in a cell or organism.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cytochrome c

A protein crucial for energy production in cells, demonstrating conserved evolution due to its vital role.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Evolutionary Protein Comparison

Comparing protein sequences between species reveals evolutionary relationships by measuring similarities and differences.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What determines a protein's shape?

The sequence and number of amino acids in a polypeptide chain determine its unique 3D structure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How are peptide bonds formed?

A dehydration reaction occurs, releasing water and forming a covalent bond between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Protein function

Proteins have diverse functions due to the 20 different amino acids forming chains in various orders. They can be enzymes, hormones, or other important molecules.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Enzyme

A biological catalyst (speeds up reactions) produced by living cells, often a protein, specific to a particular molecule or reaction.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Substrate

The molecule that an enzyme works on.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Amino acid

The basic building block of proteins, each with a similar structure but a different R-group.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hormone

A chemical messenger, often a protein, released by glands to control bodily functions (growth, metabolism, reproduction, etc.).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Protein Shape

The structure of a protein is essential for its function. Proteins can be globular or fibrous.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Protein Denaturation

A change in protein structure that results in a loss of its function, often led by changes in temperature, pH. and other conditions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

R group

The part of an amino acid that makes it different from other amino acids.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Primary Protein Structure

The unique sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain. It's like the alphabet of a protein, determining its overall structure and function.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sickle Cell Anemia

A genetic disorder caused by a single amino acid substitution in the hemoglobin β chain, leading to abnormal red blood cell shape and oxygen transport.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Secondary Protein Structure

Folding patterns formed by interactions between non-R group portions of amino acids, resulting in structures like α-helix and β-pleated sheet.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Alpha (α)-Helix

A secondary protein structure resembling a coiled spring, held together by hydrogen bonds between every fourth amino acid.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Beta (β)-Pleated Sheet

A secondary protein structure resembling a folded sheet, formed by hydrogen bonding between atoms on the backbone of the polypeptide chain.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tertiary Protein Structure

The overall three-dimensional shape of a single polypeptide chain, arising from interactions between R groups of amino acids.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Quaternary Protein Structure

The arrangement and interactions of multiple polypeptide chains (subunits) to form a functional protein complex.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecules that carry genetic information and instructions for cellular functions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

DNA

The genetic material found in all living organisms. It contains the instructions for building and maintaining an organism.

Signup and view all the flashcards

RNA

A type of nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nucleotide

The building block of nucleic acids, composed of a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and a phosphate group.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nitrogenous Base

One of the four chemical bases that combine with sugar and phosphate to form a nucleotide.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Double Helix

The twisted ladder-like structure of DNA, formed by two strands of nucleotides winding around each other.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak bonds that hold the two strands of DNA together, linking the nitrogenous bases.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Phosphate-Sugar Backbone

The structural framework of DNA, formed by alternating phosphate and sugar groups.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Biological Molecules

  • Biological macromolecules are large molecules essential for life, made from smaller organic molecules.
  • Four major classes: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
  • These molecules are organic, containing carbon bonded to hydrogen, and often including oxygen, nitrogen, and other minor elements.

Carbon's Importance

  • Carbon is central to life because it forms the fundamental components of many molecules essential to living organisms.
  • Carbon has four electrons in its outer shell, enabling it to form four covalent bonds with other atoms or molecules.
  • This versatility allows for the formation of complex molecules such as methane (CH4), a simple molecule and the basis of many more complex ones.

Carbohydrates

  • Carbohydrates are important for energy and other functions.
  • Classified into monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.
  • Monosaccharides (e.g., glucose) are simple sugars with a formula of (CH2O)n, where n is the number of carbon atoms.
  • Disaccharides consist of two monosaccharides joined together.
    • Lactose = glucose + galactose
    • Sucrose = glucose + fructose
    • Maltose = glucose + glucose
  • Polysaccharides are long chains of monosaccharides. Examples include starch (plants), glycogen (animals), and cellulose.

Lipids

  • Lipids are a diverse group of nonpolar molecules including fats, oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids.
  • They are hydrophobic ("water-fearing") due to hydrocarbon chains, and because of this, are important for energy storage and insulation.
  • Fats (Triglycerides) are composed of glycerol and fatty acids. Fatty acids can be saturated (single bonds) or unsaturated (contain double bonds).
    • Unsaturated fatty acids are often liquid at room temperature ("oils").
    • Saturated fatty acids are often solids at room temperature ("fats").

Proteins

  • Proteins perform a wide range of functions in living organisms.
  • Proteins are polymers of amino acids. There are 20 different amino acids.
  • The type and order of amino acids determine the protein's shape and function.
  • Proteins have four levels of structure:
    • Primary: The unique sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.
    • Secondary: Local folding of the polypeptide chain, often into alpha-helices or beta-sheets.
    • Tertiary: The three-dimensional structure of a polypeptide chain.
    • Quaternary: The arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains in a protein.

Nucleic Acids

  • Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) store and transmit genetic information.
  • Nucleic acids are polymers of nucleotides.
  • Each nucleotide has three parts: a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar, and a phosphate group.
  • DNA: A double helix, with nucleotides paired via hydrogen bonds (A-T and C-G)
  • RNA: A single-stranded molecule and differs structurally from DNA. It plays a role in protein synthesis.

Studying That Suits You

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

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Chapter 02b Biological Molecules PDF

Description

This quiz covers the essential biological macromolecules, their classes, and the significance of carbon in life. It explores carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, detailing their structures and functions. Test your understanding of these crucial components of life.

More Like This

Carbon and Macromolecules in Biology
40 questions

Carbon and Macromolecules in Biology

TopsEuphoria530 avatar
TopsEuphoria530
Biological Macromolecules and Carbon Chemistry
13 questions

Biological Macromolecules and Carbon Chemistry

DecisiveColosseum avatar
DecisiveColosseum
Biological Macromolecules and Carbon Chemistry
24 questions

Biological Macromolecules and Carbon Chemistry

FragrantTennessine4760 avatar
FragrantTennessine4760
Biology Chapter: Water and Organic Molecules
45 questions

Biology Chapter: Water and Organic Molecules

PrudentArchetype5533 avatar
PrudentArchetype5533
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser