Biomolecules and Their Functions

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What are biomolecules?

Organic molecules produced by living organisms. Essential for life as they carry out various biological processes such as reproduction, growth, and sustenance.

What are the functions of proteins?

Proteins function as enzymes, hormones, and transporters, they are also essential for muscle growth. They are also components of enzymes, antibodies, hemoglobin, and keratin.

What is a coenzyme?

A non-protein molecule that binds to an enzyme and helps it function properly.

Vitamin B12 is primarily found in plant-based products.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of enzymes?

To accelerate chemical reactions within living organisms. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are the primary functions of enzymes? (Select all that apply).

Increase the reaction rate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a function of competitive inhibitors?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of coenzymes and cofactors?

Assisting in substrate binding, providing additional chemical groups for catalysis, and stabilizing the enzyme structure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of ATP hydrolysis?

It releases a significant amount of energy which can be directly coupled to endergonic reactions for the necessary energy input. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary energy currency of cells?

ATP Signup and view all the answers

The electron transport chain pumps protons into the thylakoid lumen, which is essential for ATP synthesis through chemiosmosis.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Calvin cycle?

To fix carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into organic molecules such as glucose. Signup and view all the answers

What is the enzyme responsible for fixing carbon dioxide?

RuBisCO (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) Signup and view all the answers

Aerobic respiration is less efficient and occurs when oxygen is not available.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of fermentation?

Lactic acid fermentation Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of anaerobic respiration in training and competition?

Anaerobic respiration is primarily used for short bursts of high-intensity exercise such as sprinting or weightlifting. It allows for rapid ATP production but is limited by the buildup of lactic acid. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Carbohydrates

Energy source, providing sustained energy
Include glucose, fructose, sucrose, starch, and cellulose
Examples: bread, pasta, rice, cereals, oats, almonds, and dried fruits

Lipids

Store energy and provide insulation
Examples include fats, oils, waxes, cholesterol, oils, avocados, and dark chocolates

Proteins

Function as enzymes, hormones, and transporters; crucial for muscle growth
Include enzymes, antibodies, hemoglobin, and keratin
Examples: meat, fish, dairy products, peanuts, soy products, almonds, and dried fruits

Biomolecules

Organic molecules produced by living organisms, essential for life
Crucial for biological processes like reproduction, growth, and sustenance

Nucleic Acids

Store and transmit genetic information
Include DNA and RNA

Vitamins

Often act as coenzymes, assisting enzymes in their function
Deficiency can disrupt enzyme function, leading to health problems
Vitamin B12 is crucial for vegans; deficiency relates to anemia and nerve damage
Vitamin A essential for vision, especially in low light
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) supports carbohydrate conversion to energy

Enzymes

Biological catalysts accelerating chemical reactions
Lower activation energy, increasing reaction rates
Function optimally at specific temperatures and pH
High temperatures cause denaturation, destroying enzyme structure and function.
Substrate concentration affects the rate of enzymatic reactions, up to a saturation point.

Coenzymes and Cofactors

Assist enzymes, contributing to substrate binding and providing crucial functional groups
Crucial for enzymatic function

ATP-ADP Cycle

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is a primary energy currency for cells
ADP (adenosine diphosphate) is a byproduct of ATP hydrolysis.
ATP synthesis is endergonic, requiring energy input, often from glucose breakdown
ATP hydrolysis releases the energy stored in phosphodiester bonds. A crucial process in essential cell functions.

Photosynthesis (Light Dependent Reaction Chloroplast)

Converts light energy into chemical energy
Water splitting is the first step, releasing H+ and electrons
Electrons move through an electron transport chain, creating a proton gradient
Oxygen produced as a byproduct
ATP and NADPH are generated; crucial for the Calvin cycle.

Calvin Cycle (Light Independent Reaction)

Fixes atmospheric CO2 into organic molecules (e.g., glucose).
RuBisCO (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) is crucial for fixing atmospheric carbon dioxide
The Calvin cycle plays a vital role in photosynthesis by converting inorganic carbon dioxide into organic compounds, crucial for plant growth.

Cellular Respiration

Aerobic: Breaks down glucose in the presence of oxygen
Includes glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain (ETC).
Anaerobic: Occurs in absence of oxygen
Includes glycolysis and fermentation; producing less ATP than aerobic respiration.
Lactic acid and alcoholic fermentation are examples of anaerobic respiration
Aerobic respiration is more efficient than anaerobic respiration, making ATP from glucose.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers essential biomolecules including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and vitamins. Explore their roles in energy storage, genetic information, and biological processes crucial for life. Test your knowledge of examples and functions of these vital organic molecules.