Biomolecules and Carbohydrates Quiz

Study Notes

Biomolecules

Molecules synthesized by living organisms containing carbon atoms.
Other essential elements include oxygen (O), hydrogen (H), and nitrogen (N).
Four common types: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleotides.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds with the ratio of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen as 1:2:1 (C(H2O)N).
Composed of multiple hydroxyl groups, making them polar and water-soluble.
Major groups: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars consisting of a single unit.
Common examples: glucose, fructose, and galactose.

Glucose

A crucial source of cellular energy.
Chemical formula: C6H12O6.

Disaccharides

Formed by the covalent bonding of two monosaccharides.
Examples:
- Glucose + Fructose = Sucrose
- Galactose + Fructose = Lactose

Polysaccharides

Carbohydrates created through the covalent bonding of multiple monosaccharides.
Examples include glycogen, starch, and cellulose.

Glycogen

A polymer made of glucose subunits found in animal cells.
Allow cells to store glucose for later energy needs.

Starch

A polysaccharide primarily found in plants.
Digested by humans, providing glucose subunits as energy sources.

Cellulose

A polysaccharide present in plants that humans consume but cannot digest.
Known as dietary fiber, it passes through the gastrointestinal system undigested.

Lipids

A diverse group of biomolecules mainly composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms linked by non-polar covalent bonds.
Some may contain oxygen and phosphates, depending on structure; can have polar regions.
Examples: triglycerides, phospholipids, eicosanoids, and steroids.

Amphipathic

Molecules with both polar ("water-loving") and non-polar ("water-hating") ends.
Facilitate interaction between polar and nonpolar molecules.
Characteristic of detergents and phospholipid molecules in cell membranes.

Description

Test your knowledge on biomolecules, focusing on carbohydrates, their types, and structures. This quiz covers monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides, emphasizing their chemical compositions and functions in living organisms.