Biology Macromolecules Quiz

Study Notes

Macromolecules

Four main macromolecules exist: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Also known as biomolecules, organic molecules, or organic compounds.
A monomer is the fundamental subunit of a macromolecule.

Carbohydrates

Provide rapid energy for the body.
Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (CHO).
Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are in a 1:2:1 ratio (CH₂O).
Monosaccharides are the basic units of carbohydrates.
Glucose is the most common monosaccharide.
Glycogen is the storage form of carbohydrates in animals.
Starch is the storage form of carbohydrates in plants.
Cellulose forms the structural framework of plants.
Polysaccharides are long chains of monosaccharides.

Lipids

Functions include long-term energy storage, insulation, and membrane formation.
Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (CHO).
Lipids have a higher ratio of carbon to hydrogen compared to oxygen.
Fatty acids are the fundamental units of lipids.
Phospholipids are essential components of plasma membranes.
High cholesterol levels can contribute to heart problems.
Steroids are used in the production of sex hormones.
Lipids are hydrophobic, meaning they do not mix with water.

Proteins

Act as the functional molecules within cells.
Composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen (CHON).
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
Hemoglobin transports oxygen in the blood.
Insulin regulates blood sugar levels.
Enzymes catalyze chemical reactions.

Nucleic Acids

Carry genetic information.
Composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus (CHONP).
Nucleotides are the fundamental units of nucleic acids.
DNA and RNA are crucial nucleic acids in biological systems.

Enzymes

Proteins that catalyze chemical reactions.
Essential for life, enabling reactions to occur at appropriate speeds.
Enzymes modify substrates.
Enzyme-substrate complexes are formed during the reaction.
Enzymes remain unchanged and reusable throughout the reaction.

Enzyme Facts

An enzyme's unique shape determines its function.
The substrate precisely fits the enzyme's active site.
Enzymes are specific, binding only to a particular substrate.
Enzymes are reusable, their structure unchanged after the reaction.
Denaturation occurs if an enzyme's shape is altered, rendering it inactive.
Denaturation can result from high temperatures or low pH.
Enzymes reduce the activation energy required to initiate reactions.
Activation energy is the initial energy needed for a reaction to start.
Enzymes speed up reactions by decreasing the activation energy needed.

Description

Test your knowledge on the four macromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. This quiz covers their structures, functions, and monomers. Dive into the essentials of biomolecules and enhance your understanding of biology.