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Questions and Answers
What are the four major classes of biomolecules/macromolecules?
Carbohydrates, Lipids, Nucleic Acids, Proteins
What is the primary function of carbohydrates in the body?
Energy source
What are lipids primarily used for in the body?
Stored energy reserves
What is the role of proteins in the human body?
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What is the function of nucleic acids?
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Which of the following elements are found in biomolecules? (Select all that apply)
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All biomolecules are polymers made from monomers.
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What is a dehydration reaction?
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What are monosaccharides?
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Match the following types of carbohydrates with their descriptions:
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What is the general formula for carbohydrates?
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Study Notes
Biomolecules
- Biomolecules are naturally occurring molecules found in living organisms.
- They include small molecules, primary and secondary metabolites, and natural products that are essential for metabolic processes and organism maintenance.
- Biomolecules are typically obtained from food.
Classes of Biomolecules
- There are four primary classes of biomolecules: Carbohydrates, Lipids, Nucleic Acids, and Proteins.
Biomolecules: Elemental Composition
- All biomolecules contain Carbon (C).
- Carbon is highly versatile and crucial for life.
- Other essential elements include: Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N), Sulphur (S), Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg).
Levels of Organization
- The hierarchy of life begins with atoms, which combine to form molecules.
- Macromolecules are large molecules composed of thousands of covalently linked atoms.
Biomolecules and Human Body Function
- Carbohydrates serve as the body's primary energy source.
- Lipids provide stored energy reserves, allowing the body to function when carbohydrates are unavailable.
- Proteins contribute to strength and tissue development, including bones, muscles, and immune responses.
- Nucleic acids are responsible for genetic information and individual characteristics.
Polymerization and Depolymerization
- Macromolecules are polymers composed of repeating structural units called monomers.
- Three major classes of biomolecules are polymers: Carbohydrates, Proteins, Nucleic Acids.
- Dehydration reactions, also known as condensation, form bonds between monomers by releasing a water molecule.
- Hydrolysis breaks down polymers into monomers by adding a water molecule.
Carbohydrates: Structure and Function
- Carbohydrates (polysaccharides) are long chains of sugars with the general formula (CH2O)n.
- Monosaccharides are simple sugars composed of 3-7 carbon atoms.
- Monosaccharides contain either an aldehyde (aldoses) or ketone (ketoses) group and are reducing sugars.
Monosaccharide Classification
- Triose (3C): Glyceraldehyde, Dihydroxyacetone.
- Tetrose (4C): Erythrose, Threose.
- Pentose (5C): Ribulose, D-arabinose, Ribose.
- Hexose (6C): Glucose, Fructose, Galactose, Mannose.
- Heptose (7C): Glucoheptose, Sedoheptulose.
Oligosaccharides
- Oligosaccharides are formed by the condensation of 2-9 monosaccharides units.
- These units are joined by specialized glycosidic linkages.
- Examples include: Disaccharides (lactose, maltose, sucrose), Trisaccharides (raffinose), Tetrasaccharides (stachyose, sesame).
Polysaccharides
- Polysaccharides are polymers of monosaccharides.
- They are complex carbohydrates, un-sweet, insoluble in water, and not crystalline.
- Examples include: Starch (plant energy storage), Glycogen (animal energy storage), Cellulose (plant structural support, fiber), Chitin (exoskeletons of arthropods, fungal cell wall).
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Description
This quiz explores the essential biomolecules that are critical for life, including carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins. Learn about their elemental composition, hierarchical organization, and their roles in human body functions. Test your knowledge and understanding of these vital components of living organisms.
