Biology Unit 2: Molecules and Membranes
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Questions and Answers

What do polysaccharides and shorter sugar polymers primarily act as in cells?

  • Energy sources
  • Structural components of membranes
  • Markers for cell recognition processes (correct)
  • Transporters for lipid molecules
  • Which of the following sugars is primarily considered the main source of energy in cells?

  • Galactose
  • Fructose
  • Glucose (correct)
  • Sucrose
  • What type of bond connects monosaccharides in an oligosaccharide?

  • Hydrogen bond
  • Glycosidic bond (correct)
  • Ionic bond
  • Peptide bond
  • What differentiates amylopectin from amylose in starch?

    <p>Amylopectin has more branches. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which configuration is present in cellulose regarding its glucose residues?

    <p>b-configuration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of bonds primarily form the structure of cellulose?

    <p>b(1 → 4) bonds (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between glycogen and starch?

    <p>Glycogen serves as a storage form in animals, while starch serves in plants. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of carbohydrates in cell signaling?

    <p>As markers for protein direction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of fatty acids in cells?

    <p>Energy source and components of membranes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the structure of triglycerides?

    <p>Three fatty acids linked to a glycerol molecule (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are triglycerides more efficient for energy storage than carbohydrates?

    <p>They produce more energy per weight than carbohydrates. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes phospholipids from triglycerides?

    <p>Phospholipids contain a polar head group. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do steroids play in biological systems?

    <p>They act as molecular messengers for signaling. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the amphipathic nature of phospholipids?

    <p>They have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is the main component of cell membranes?

    <p>Phospholipids (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of lipid acts as a messenger carrying signals from receptors within cells?

    <p>Steroid hormones (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of ATP in cells?

    <p>It serves as the main form of chemical energy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the composition of amino acids?

    <p>Every amino acid has a carbon, an amino group, and a unique side chain. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In protein structure, what do the terms N-terminal and C-terminal refer to?

    <p>The specific ends of polypeptide chains. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do polar amino acids interact with water?

    <p>They dissolve easily in water due to their hydrophilic properties. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the characteristic sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide?

    <p>The direction of synthesis from N-terminus to C-terminus. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following functions do proteins NOT perform?

    <p>They store genetic information. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structural feature of cholesterol contributes to its amphipathic nature?

    <p>Hydroxyl group (OH) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Frederick Sanger is known for determining the first complete sequence of which protein?

    <p>Insulin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of RNA is directly responsible for conveying genetic information from DNA to ribosomes?

    <p>Messenger RNA (mRNA) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of amino acids are usually found on the surface of proteins?

    <p>Hydrophilic basic and acidic amino acids (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What bond is formed during the polymerization of nucleotides to create nucleic acids?

    <p>Phosphodiester bonds (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what direction are polynucleotides synthesized?

    <p>5' to 3' (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of DNA's structure?

    <p>Complementary bases form hydrogen bonds (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes oligonucleotides?

    <p>Small polymers with only a few nucleotides (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the nitrogenous bases found in DNA?

    <p>Adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are cells signaled by testosterone and estradiol?

    <p>As hormones derived from cholesterol (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does cholesterol play in the lipid bilayer?

    <p>It increases membrane rigidity while maintaining fluidity at low temperatures. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes integral membrane proteins?

    <p>They are embedded in the lipid bilayer and can be transmembrane proteins. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What describes the primary function of peripheral membrane proteins?

    <p>They are indirectly associated with membranes through interactions with other proteins. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the characteristic feature of transmembrane proteins?

    <p>They pass through the membrane multiple times or are fully embedded. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which types of molecules can freely diffuse through the phospholipid bilayer?

    <p>Small uncharged molecules. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best defines the function of protein channels in the membrane?

    <p>They facilitate the passage of charged ions and specific small molecules. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do carbohydrates modify membrane proteins in eukaryotic cells?

    <p>By forming glycoproteins exposed on the cell surface for signaling. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which substances are likely unable to diffuse across the plasma membrane?

    <p>Large polar molecules such as glucose. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the primary structure of a protein?

    <p>The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of bond is primarily responsible for maintaining the secondary structure of proteins?

    <p>Hydrogen bonds (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the quaternary structure of proteins?

    <p>Interactions between different polypeptide chains (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of membrane proteins?

    <p>Facilitate the transport of small molecules (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primarily influences the fluidity of a lipid bilayer?

    <p>The temperature of the environment (A), The length of the fatty acid chains (C), The saturation of the fatty acid tails (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which property of phospholipids allows them to form bilayers in aqueous solutions?

    <p>Amphipathic nature of the molecules (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do the properties of lipid bilayers change based on temperature?

    <p>Short chain fatty acids increase fluidity at lower temperatures (A), Lower temperatures promote lipid crystallization (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structural feature is common to all cell membranes?

    <p>Phospholipid bilayers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Glycolipids

    Molecules found in cell membranes, containing a hydrophobic tail (fatty acids) and a hydrophilic head (carbohydrates).

    Cholesterol

    A sterol with a four-ring structure, amphipathic due to a hydroxyl group.

    Nucleic Acids

    Polymers of nucleotides, serving as the primary carriers of genetic information in cells.

    Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

    A type of nucleic acid that stores and transmits genetic information.

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    Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)

    A type of nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis.

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    Nucleotide

    The building blocks of nucleic acids, composed of a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and a phosphate group.

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    Phosphodiester Bond

    A special bond that links nucleotides together in a nucleic acid chain.

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    Genetic Code

    The sequence of bases in a polynucleotide chain that determines its function.

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    What is a monosaccharide?

    A carbohydrate monomer, the basic building block for more complex carbohydrates. Its formula is (CH2O)n, where n is the number of carbon atoms.

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    What is the most important monosaccharide for cells?

    Glucose, a 6-carbon monosaccharide, is the primary energy source for cells.

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    How do larger monosaccharides exist in cells?

    Sugars with 5 or more carbons can form ring structures, which are the most common form within cells.

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    How do monosaccharides link together?

    A process where two monosaccharides are linked by removing a water molecule and forming a glycosidic bond.

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    What is an oligosaccharide?

    A polymer made up of a few monosaccharides linked together.

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    What is a polysaccharide?

    A polymer composed of hundreds or thousands of monosaccharides linked together by glycosidic bonds.

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    What is glycogen?

    The most common polysaccharide in animals, used for storing energy. It's mainly made up of glucose molecules.

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    What is starch?

    A polysaccharide found in plants, used for storing energy. It's mainly made up of glucose molecules.

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    Phospholipids

    A type of lipid that is the main component of cell membranes. They consist of two fatty acid molecules attached to a glycerol molecule and a phosphate group. The phosphate group can also bind to another polar molecule like phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, or phosphatidylinositol.

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    Sphingomyelin

    A type of lipid found in cell membranes; the only non-glyceric phospholipid. Instead of glycerol, these have serine as part of their polar head group, with two fatty acid chains attached.

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    Fatty acids

    The simplest lipids, composed of long hydrocarbon chains (16-18 carbons) with a carboxyl group at the end. These are the building blocks of many other lipids.

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    Triglycerides

    Lipids that consist of three fatty acid molecules linked to a glycerol molecule. They serve as energy storage molecules for cells.

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    Lipid signaling molecules

    Lipids that are important for cell signaling, acting as molecular messengers carrying signals from receptors to targets within cells. Examples include steroid hormones like estrogen and testosterone.

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    Amphipathic molecules

    Amphipathic molecules are molecules that have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. This property allows them to interact with both water and oil.

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    Primary Structure

    The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

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    Secondary Structure

    Regular, repeating arrangement of amino acids within localized regions of the polypeptide chain.

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    Tertiary Structure

    The overall three-dimensional folding of a polypeptide chain, determined by interactions between amino acid side chains.

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    Quaternary Structure

    The arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains in a protein complex.

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    Membrane Fluidity

    This property allows individual lipids and proteins within the membrane to move laterally.

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    Short Chain Fatty Acids

    They maintain the fluidity of the membrane by weakening interactions between longer fatty acid chains.

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    Cell Membrane

    This structure is essential for separating the cell's interior from the environment and defining internal compartments in eukaryotic cells.

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    What is ATP?

    A molecule that serves as the main form of chemical energy in cells, primarily used for energy transfer during cellular processes.

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    What is cAMP and its function?

    A type of nucleotide that plays a crucial role in cellular signaling pathways, acting as a second messenger.

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    What are proteins and what do they do?

    Macromolecules that are responsible for carrying out the tasks defined by the information contained in nucleic acids. They are incredibly diverse and perform a wide range of functions in cells.

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    What are amino acids?

    The building blocks of proteins. There are 20 different amino acids, each with a unique side chain (R-group) that defines its chemical properties.

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    What is a peptide bond?

    A type of bond that connects amino acids in a protein chain. It is formed between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of the next.

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    What is a polypeptide?

    A linear chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. It is a fundamental unit of protein structure.

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    What is the primary structure of a protein?

    The specific sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain. It determines the protein's three-dimensional structure and ultimately its function.

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    What is the tertiary structure of a protein?

    The three-dimensional shape of a protein that is determined by its amino acid sequence and interactions between amino acids. It is crucial for the protein's function.

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    What is the role of cholesterol in the cell membrane?

    A molecule that inserts into the lipid bilayer, with its polar hydroxyl group near the hydrophilic head of phospholipids, and its hydrocarbon rings interact with the hydrophobic chains of fatty acids of phospholipids.

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    What are integral membrane proteins?

    Proteins embedded in the lipid bilayer, some spanning the entire membrane (transmembrane proteins).

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    What is a beta-barrel?

    A common structure in integral membrane proteins, formed by folding beta sheets into a barrel-like shape.

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    What are peripheral membrane proteins?

    Proteins indirectly associated with the membrane, usually through interactions with other proteins. They are amphipathic molecules.

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    What is selective permeability?

    The ability of a membrane to allow certain substances to pass through while blocking others.

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    What are protein channels?

    Transmembrane proteins that create pores in the membrane, allowing the passage of specific molecules based on size and charge.

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    What are ion channels?

    Protein channels that allow the passage of inorganic ions, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride.

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    What is passive diffusion?

    The movement of molecules across a membrane from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, without requiring energy.

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    Study Notes

    Unit 2: Molecules and Membranes

    • This unit discusses the molecules and membranes within cells.
    • It details the fundamental components of cells and their roles in cellular functions.

    Section 1: Introduction

    • This section introduces the topic of molecules and membranes within the context of cells.
    • It provides the overall framework for studying cellular components.

    2.1 Cell Molecules

    • Cells are complex, diverse structures within multicellular organisms.
    • They are primarily composed of water, inorganic ions, and organic molecules.
    • Key elements present in significantly high concentrations in the human body (96.2%): oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen.

    2.1.1 Water

    • Water makes up 70% (or more) of the cell mass.
    • It is a polar molecule, meaning its hydrogen atoms have a slightly positive charge and the oxygen atom has a slightly negative charge.
    • This polarity allows water to form hydrogen bonds and interact with polar molecules or ions.
    • Ions and polar molecules dissolve easily in water (hydrophilic), while nonpolar molecules are insoluble (hydrophobic).

    2.1.2 Inorganic Ions

    • Inorganic ions, like sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), magnesium (Mg2+), calcium (Ca2+), and chloride (Cl-), represent 1% (or less) of the cell's mass.
    • These ions play a crucial role in cellular metabolism and various cellular functions.
    • Examples include phosphate (HPO42-), bicarbonate (HCO3-), amongst others.

    2.1.3 Organic Molecules

    • Organic molecules (containing carbon) make up over 90% of the dry weight of cells.
    • Four main types include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
    • Precursors of these macromolecules have smaller molecules like amino acids, nucleotides, or simple sugars

    2.2 Cell Membranes

    • Cell membranes delimit the interior of the cell from its environment.
    • Membranes share the same phospholipid bilayer structure.
    • Proteins play important roles within the bilayer.

    2.2.1 Membrane Lipids

    • Phospholipids are the fundamental molecules of cell membranes.
    • Their hydrophobic tails (insoluble in water) spontaneously form bilayers in aqueous media.
    • They form a stable barrier between aqueous environments.
    • Lipids typically constitute about 50% of the cell membrane, but this can vary based on the type (up to 75% in mitochondria).

    2.2.2 Membrane Proteins

    • Membrane proteins are integral components of cell membranes performing specialized functions.
    • Integral proteins can be transmembrane (spanning the membrane) or embedded within the bilayer.
    • Peripheral proteins are not embedded, but interact with the membrane indirectly.
    • Other proteins include glycoproteins (proteins with carbohydrate chains) and glycolipids (lipids with carbohydrate chains).

    2.2.3 Transport Across Cell Membranes

    • Membranes selectively allow molecules to pass through them.
    • Small uncharged molecules can diffuse easily through the phospholipid bilayer.
    • Larger polar molecules and charged ions need specific transport mechanisms (protein channels or carrier proteins).
    • Passive transport occurs down the concentration gradient using protein channels or carrier proteins.
    • Active transport occurs against the concentration gradient and requires energy (ATP).

    2.2.4. Other Functions of Carbohydrates

    • Carbohydrates function as markers in cell signaling and cell-cell interactions.
    • They are involved in interactions between cells in multicellular tissues.
    • They can be found in glycoproteins (proteins with carbohydrate chains) and glycolipids (lipids with carbohydrate chains).

    2.3 Nucleic Acids

    • Nucleic acids are the main information molecules of cells.
    • DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic material.
    • RNA (ribonucleic acid) comes in various forms like messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and transfer RNA (tRNA), each having specific roles in protein synthesis.
    • Nucleotides (nitrogenous bases, sugars, and a phosphate group) are the building blocks of nucleic acids.
    • Purines (adenine and guanine) and pyrimidines (cytosine, thymine, and uracil) are the nitrogenous bases.

    2.4 Proteins

    • Proteins perform diverse functions within cells.
    • They have varied macromolecular structures.
    • Proteins are composed of amino acids (aa).
    • Twenty different amino acids (aa) exist.
    • Amino acids are linked by peptide bonds.
    • Protein structure is described in four levels (primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary).
    • Proteins' specific function relies on their three-dimensional shapes.
    • A protein's function and interaction with other biological components depend on its amino acid sequence.

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    This quiz explores Unit 2 of Biology, focusing on molecules and membranes within cells. You'll learn about the fundamental components of cells, including the significance of water, inorganic ions, and organic molecules in cellular functions.

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