Biology 2.3 Carbon-Based Molecules Vocabulary

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Questions and Answers

What structural feature differentiates a phospholipid from a triglyceride?

Phospholipids have a polar 'head' and two fatty acid 'tails'. (correct)

Phospholipids have three fatty acids.

Triglycerides contain a phosphate group.

Triglycerides have a ring structure.

Why can fatty acids with double bonds not pack together tightly?

They have a branched structure.

The presence of carbon–carbon double bonds creates kinks. (correct)

They lack nonpolar tails.

They are too large in size.

What is a primary function of cholesterol in the body?

It acts as a primary energy source.

It is used to make steroid hormones. (correct)

It aids in digestion as an enzyme.

It is responsible for transporting oxygen.

Which part of the phospholipid is hydrophilic?

The phosphate group. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about proteins is correct?

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

What are steroid hormones primarily derived from?

Cholesterol. Signup and view all the answers

How many amino acids are commonly found in proteins?

20 Signup and view all the answers

In what cellular structure are phospholipids primarily found?

Cell membranes Signup and view all the answers

How many different amino acids can your body synthesize?

12 Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the covalent bonds that link amino acids together?

Peptide bonds Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the amino acid structure is different for each amino acid?

R-group (side group) Signup and view all the answers

What is formed when multiple amino acids are linked by peptide bonds?

Polypeptides Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements is NOT commonly found in amino acids?

Phosphorus Signup and view all the answers

What determines the primary structure of a protein?

The sequence of amino acids Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the components attached to the central carbon of an amino acid?

An amino group, a carboxyl group, and an R-group Signup and view all the answers

What role do foods like meat, beans, and nuts serve in relation to amino acids?

They provide essential amino acids Signup and view all the answers

What determines a protein’s structure and function?

The specific sequence of amino acids Signup and view all the answers

What type of bond can form between sulfur-containing side groups of amino acids?

Covalent bonds Signup and view all the answers

How does the improper sequence of amino acids affect protein function?

It can change the protein's structure, affecting function. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of just one wrong amino acid in hemoglobin?

It leads to sickle cell anemia. Signup and view all the answers

What are nucleic acids primarily composed of?

Nucleotides Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT part of a nucleotide?

Amino acid Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of iron atoms in hemoglobin?

They bond with oxygen molecules. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a protein if its amino acid sequence is altered incorrectly?

It folds into an unfunctional shape. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two general types of nucleic acids?

DNA and RNA Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of DNA?

To provide the code for assembling proteins Signup and view all the answers

How does RNA assist in protein synthesis?

By helping to build proteins based on DNA code Signup and view all the answers

In what way can RNA molecules differ in function compared to DNA?

RNA can catalyze reactions Signup and view all the answers

What monomers make up nucleic acids?

Nucleotides Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of DNA allows it to provide the proper assembly code for proteins?

The structure and order of nucleotides Signup and view all the answers

What role does the arrangement of nucleotides in DNA play?

It encodes the information for protein assembly Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about nucleic acids is incorrect?

DNA is solely responsible for protein assembly. Signup and view all the answers

What unique property of carbon atoms allows them to form various carbon-based molecules?

They have four unpaired electrons. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a main type of carbon-based molecule found in living things?

Mineral Signup and view all the answers

What structure types can carbon-based molecules form?

Straight chains, branched chains, and rings. Signup and view all the answers

How many other atoms can a single carbon atom bond with simultaneously?

Four Signup and view all the answers

What key role do carbon-based molecules play in living organisms?

They form the structural framework and facilitate biological processes. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the variety of carbon-based molecules?

There are millions of different carbon-based molecules with diverse structures. Signup and view all the answers

What analogy is used to describe the relationship between carbon-based molecules?

Cars built on the same internal frame. Signup and view all the answers

Why is carbon often referred to as the building block of life?

Its unique bonding properties make up most biological molecules. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Carbon-Based Molecules Overview

Carbon atoms serve as the foundation of life, forming the backbone of most biomolecules.
Unique bonding properties of carbon enable it to form covalent bonds with up to four other atoms.

Types of Carbon-Based Molecules

Four main types: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Carbon-based molecules can form diverse structures including straight chains, branched chains, and rings.

Lipids

Major component of cell membranes, primarily made up of phospholipids.
Phospholipid structure: consists of glycerol, two fatty acids (nonpolar "tails"), and a phosphate group (polar "head").
Triglycerides: formed from three fatty acids and glycerol, lacking a phosphate group.
Cholesterol: a lipid with a ring structure, essential for cell membranes and the production of steroid hormones (e.g., testosterone and estrogen).

Proteins

Most diverse type of carbon-based molecule.
Composed of monomers called amino acids, which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur.
There are 20 different amino acids; 12 can be synthesized by the body, while 8 must be acquired from diet (e.g., meat, beans, nuts).
Amino acids form peptide bonds, creating polypeptide chains that fold into functional proteins.

Protein Structure and Function

Specific sequence of amino acids determines protein structure and function.
Interactions among side groups (R-groups) are crucial for protein folding, including the formation of hydrogen bonds and covalent bonds involving sulfur.
Hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells, demonstrates the importance of proper amino acid sequencing; a single mutation can lead to diseases like sickle cell anemia.

Nucleic Acids

Polymers made of monomers called nucleotides, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
Two primary types: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
DNA stores genetic information and provides the code for protein synthesis; RNA plays a role in assembling proteins based on DNA instructions.

Summary of Relationships

Proteins and nucleic acids are essential for life; proteins are built according to the instructions coded in nucleic acids.
The unique properties of carbon-based molecules enable a vast variety of structures and functions critical for biological processes.

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Description

This quiz covers the key vocabulary related to carbon-based molecules, foundational components of life. You will explore terms such as monomers, polymers, carbohydrates, and lipids, and understand their significance in biological processes. Test your knowledge on the unique bonding properties of carbon atoms and their role in forming essential molecules.