Questions and Answers
What is the relationship between a polymer and a monomer?
Explain how both nucleic acids and proteins are polymers. Describe the monomers that make up the polymers.
A protein is a polymer made of monomers called amino acids, while nucleic acids are polymers made of monomers called nucleotides.
How are carbohydrates and lipids similar? How are they different?
Carbohydrates and lipids both contain chains of carbon atoms bonded to oxygen and hydrogen atoms. However, carbohydrates dissolve in water while lipids do not.
Explain how the bonding properties of carbon atoms result in a large variety of carbon-based molecules in living things.
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Why might fatty acids, amino acids, and nucleic acids increase the hydrogen ion (H+) concentration of a solution?
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Study Notes
Polymers and Monomers
- Polymers are large molecules formed by the bonding of smaller units called monomers.
- Monomers are individual parts that combine to create complex structures.
Nucleic Acids and Proteins
- Proteins are polymers made from monomers known as amino acids.
- Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are polymers composed of monomers called nucleotides.
Carbohydrates and Lipids
- Similarity: Both carbohydrates and lipids primarily consist of chains of carbon atoms bonded to oxygen and hydrogen.
- Difference: Carbohydrates are soluble in water, whereas lipids are insoluble and do not dissolve in water.
Bonding Properties of Carbon
- Carbon atoms can form four covalent bonds, enabling the creation of a vast diversity of carbon-based molecules.
- This ability allows for complex molecular structures essential for life.
Hydrogen Ion Concentration and Organic Molecules
- Fatty acids, amino acids, and nucleic acids can increase the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution.
- These organic molecules can release H+ ions, contributing to acidity in solutions.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the relationship between polymers and monomers, and how nucleic acids and proteins are classified as polymers. Understand the definitions and components that form these essential biological molecules. Test your knowledge on the building blocks of life!
