Biology Macromolecules Quiz

Study Notes

Macromolecules

Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
They are a primary energy source and structural component.
Types include monosaccharides (simple sugars), disaccharides (two sugars), and polysaccharides (many sugars).
Examples: glucose, sucrose, starch, and cellulose.
Lipids are hydrophobic molecules primarily composed of carbon and hydrogen.
They include fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids.
Functions include energy storage, cell membrane components, and hormone production.
Proteins are complex polymers formed from amino acids.
Crucial for structural support, enzymatic activity, transport, and defense.
Different protein structures (primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary) determine function.
Nucleic acids include DNA and RNA, encoding genetic information.
DNA stores genetic information, RNA plays a role in protein synthesis.
Nucleic acids consist of nucleotides with a nitrogenous base, sugar, and phosphate group.

Cell Structure and Function

The plasma membrane is the cell's outer boundary, a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins.
It regulates substance passage (selectively permeable).
Cytoplasm fills the cell, containing organelles and cytosol (fluid portion).
The nucleus is the control center, housing DNA organized into chromosomes.
It's surrounded by a nuclear envelope with pores for transport.
DNA replication and RNA synthesis occur within the nucleus.
Mitochondria are the "powerhouses" of the cell, sites of cellular respiration producing ATP (energy).
Mitochondria contain their own DNA.
Ribosomes synthesize proteins, found in the cytoplasm and on the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of membranes.
Rough ER, studded with ribosomes, is involved in protein synthesis and modification.
Smooth ER synthesizes lipids and detoxifies substances.
The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or internal cell use.
Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes, breaking down waste and cellular debris.
Vacuoles are storage sacs, especially prominent in plant cells, often filled with water.
The cytoskeleton is a network of protein fibers (microtubules, microfilaments, intermediate filaments).
It provides structural support, facilitates cell movement, and plays a role in intracellular transport.
The cell wall is a rigid outer layer in plant cells providing structural support and protection.

Cellular Energetics

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is the cell's primary energy currency, storing energy in phosphate bonds.
Hydrolysis of ATP releases energy for cellular processes.
Cellular respiration breaks down glucose to produce ATP.
It involves glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.
Photosynthesis is the process where plants and certain organisms use sunlight to synthesize sugars from carbon dioxide and water.
It occurs in chloroplasts.
Fermentation is an anaerobic process producing ATP in the absence of oxygen.
Includes lactic acid and alcoholic fermentation.

Cell Division

Mitosis results in two genetically identical daughter cells, used for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction.
It includes prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Meiosis produces four genetically unique haploid daughter cells, crucial for sexual reproduction.
It involves two rounds of division (Meiosis I and Meiosis II).
Crossing over during prophase I increases genetic diversity.
The cell cycle is the ordered sequence of events from cell formation to division.
It includes interphase (G1, S, G2) and the mitotic (M) phase.
Regulation of cell division ensures appropriate rates and only when necessary.
Mutations in regulatory proteins can lead to uncontrolled cell division (cancer).

Description

Test your knowledge on the four major macromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Understand their structures, functions, and roles in biological systems. This quiz will challenge your understanding of these essential biomolecules.