Biology Macromolecules Overview

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Questions and Answers

What are the primary building blocks of proteins?

Amino acids (correct)

Fatty acids

Nucleotides

Monosaccharides

What type of bond links amino acids together in polypeptides?

Disulfide bonds

Peptide bonds (correct)

Hydrogen bonds

Ionic bonds

Which of the following describes the structure of proteins?

Single strands of nucleotides

Circular structures of carbohydrates

Flat sheets of lipids

Long chains of amino acids folded into specific shapes (correct)

What does a denatured enzyme lose?

Its ability to function properly Signup and view all the answers

What does the lock and key hypothesis suggest about enzymes?

Enzymes and substrates fit together precisely like a key in a lock. Signup and view all the answers

What component is NOT a part of the monomers of nucleic acids?

Amino group Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of RNA?

It carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the principles of Cell Theory?

All cells can spontaneously arise from non-living matter. Signup and view all the answers

Which organelle is found in all cells and is responsible for protein synthesis?

Ribosome Signup and view all the answers

What are the four major macromolecules?

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes monomers?

They are atoms or small molecules that bond to form polymers. Signup and view all the answers

What is dehydration synthesis?

The joining of two molecules with the removal of water. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main elements that make up lipids?

Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the function of triglycerides?

They store unused calories and provide energy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of a phospholipid?

A glycerol molecule bound to two fatty acids and a phosphate group Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of cellulose?

Structural support in plant cell walls Signup and view all the answers

What are the monomers for proteins?

Amino acids Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the elements that make up carbohydrates?

Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of cholesterol in biological systems?

To help build cell membranes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a polymer of carbohydrates?

Fructose Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of phospholipids?

Acting as a barrier to protect the cell Signup and view all the answers

What are the three monomers that make up lipids?

Glycerol and three fatty acids Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following macromolecules is primarily used for energy storage in plants?

Starch Signup and view all the answers

Hydrolysis is best described as which of the following?

Breaking a bond using water Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly identifies one of the four main types of monomers?

Glucose Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of enzymes in biological systems?

To act as catalysts and speed up chemical reactions Signup and view all the answers

How do the structures of DNA and RNA differ?

DNA is composed of deoxyribose sugar while RNA contains ribose sugar Signup and view all the answers

Which organelle is specifically associated with breaking down waste materials in a cell?

Lysosomes Signup and view all the answers

What does the induced-fit model of enzyme action propose?

Enzymes can change shape to better fit the substrate during the reaction Signup and view all the answers

Which type of bond is crucial for the formation of polypeptides?

Peptide bonds Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall function of DNA in living organisms?

It carries genetic information for protein synthesis and inheritance Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic shape of DNA known as?

Double helix Signup and view all the answers

What primarily distinguishes bacterial cells from animal and plant cells?

Presence of plasmids Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'active site' refer to in the context of enzymes?

The part of the enzyme that binds to the substrate Signup and view all the answers

Which compound acts as the messenger between DNA and ribosomes in the protein synthesis process?

mRNA Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Macromolecules

Four major macromolecules: proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids

Organic Molecules

Usually composed of carbon atoms with other atoms attached, such as hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.

Monomers

Atoms or small molecules that bond together to form more complex structures such as polymers.
Four main types: sugars, amino acids, fatty acids, and nucleotides

Polymers

Large molecules made by bonding (chemically linking) a series of building blocks.

Dehydration Synthesis

When two molecules or compounds are joined to form a larger molecule following the removal of water.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction in which a molecule of water breaks one or more chemical bonds.

Carbohydrates

A carbohydrate is an organic compound such as sugar or starch.
Elements: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (CHO)
Function: energy storage.
Monomers: monosaccharides (e.g., glucose, fructose)
Polymers: starch, glycogen, cellulose, and chitin

Lipids

Fatty, waxy, or oily compounds that are soluble in organic solvents and insoluble in polar solvents such as water.
Elements: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (CHO)
Monomers: glycerol and fatty acids

Triglycerides

Structure: a glycerol molecule bound to three fatty acid molecules.
Function: store unused calories and provide your body with energy.

Phospholipids

Structure: glycerol backbone, fatty acid chain, and a phosphate group.
Function: a barrier to protect the cell against exterior stimuli.

Cholesterol

Structure: a molecule with four connected carbon rings, a short tail, and a hydroxyl group.
Function: helps build cell membranes and is used to produce important molecules like hormones, bile acids, and vitamin D.

Carbohydrate Polymer Functions

Starch: energy storage in plants.
Glycogen: primary storage form of glucose in animals.
Cellulose: structural support in plant cell walls.
Chitin: structural support in the exoskeletons of arthropods and cell walls of fungi.

Proteins

Monomers: amino acids.
Amino Acids: organic molecules that serve as the building blocks of proteins.
Polypeptides: long chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds, forming the basic structure of proteins.
Function: Providing structural support, regulating gene expression, transporting molecules like oxygen, and defending against disease as antibodies.
Protein structure: long chains of amino acids that fold into specific three-dimensional shapes.
Enzymes: proteins that act as catalysts in living organisms, speeding up chemical reactions without being changed themselves.
Denatured Enzyme: enzyme whose structure is altered, losing its function.
Enzyme-Substrate Complex: the structure formed when the substrate binds to the enzyme's active site. This facilitates the chemical reaction.
Lock and Key Hypothesis: enzymes and substrates fit together precisely like a lock and key
Induced-Fit Model: the enzyme changes shape to better accommodate the substrate, enhancing reaction rates.

Nucleic Acids

Monomers: nitrogen-containing base, a sugar (either ribose or deoxyribose), and a phosphate group.

DNA

Function: carries genetic information, providing instructions for protein synthesis and enabling the transmission of hereditary traits from parents to offspring.
Structure: structured as a double helix, resembling a twisted ladder, with sugar-phosphate backbones forming the sides and paired nitrogenous bases (adenine with thymine, and guanine with cytosine) as the rungs.

RNA

Function: carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes, directing protein synthesis; acting as a messenger, a translator, and a catalyst in various cellular processes.
Structure: typically a single-stranded molecule composed of ribose sugars, phosphate groups, and four nitrogenous bases (adenine, cytosine, guanine, and uracil).

Cell Theory

Three principles:
- All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.
- The cell is the basic unit of structure and function in living organisms.
- All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Cell Organelles

Ribosomes: protein synthesis.
Lysosomes: break down waste materials and cellular debris using enzymes in an acidic environment.
Endoplasmic Reticulum: processing and transport of molecules
Golgi Apparatus: modifies and packages proteins
Nucleus: controls cellular activities

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Description

Explore the four major macromolecules: proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Understand their structures, functions, and the processes of dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis. This quiz will test your knowledge on organic molecules, monomers, and polymers.