10 Questions
Which biomolecule category is responsible for storing genetic information?
Nucleic acids
What is the primary function of carbohydrates in living organisms?
Provide energy
Which type of lipid is found in cell membranes and plays a structural role?
Complex lipids
Which biomolecule is essential for the synthesis of enzymes, hormones, and antibodies?
Proteins
How do nucleic acids differ from proteins in terms of their function in living organisms?
Proteins catalyze reactions, while nucleic acids store genetic information.
What is the classification of lipids based on their complexity?
Simple and complex
Which biomolecule category consists of monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides?
Carbohydrates
How do carbohydrates mainly differ from lipids in terms of their structure and function?
Carbohydrates are hydrophilic, while lipids are hydrophobic
What is the primary function of nucleic acids in living organisms?
Store and transmit genetic information
How can one differentiate between proteins and nucleic acids based on their functions?
Proteins are involved in cell structure, while nucleic acids store genetic information
Study Notes
Biomolecules
- Major categories of biomolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Carbohydrates
- Classified into three types: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.
- Monosaccharides: simplest form of carbohydrates (e.g. glucose, fructose).
- Disaccharides: formed by bonding two monosaccharides (e.g. sucrose, lactose).
- Polysaccharides: composed of multiple monosaccharides (e.g. starch, cellulose).
Lipids
- Two classes: simple and complex lipids.
- Simple lipids: triglycerides (fatty acid + glycerol) and steroids (e.g. cholesterol).
- Complex lipids: phospholipids (e.g. phosphatidylcholine), glycolipids, and sphingolipids.
Nucleic Acids
- Structure: double helix (DNA) or single strand (RNA).
- Uses: storing genetic information, transmitting genetic traits, and regulating gene expression.
- Function: DNA replication, transcription, and translation.
Proteins
- Structure: amino acid chain (primary), secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.
- Uses: enzymes, hormones, structural components, transport molecules, and defense molecules.
- Function: catalyzing metabolic reactions, regulating metabolic pathways, and responding to stimuli.
Identification and Functions
- Biomolecules can be identified through physical and chemical tests or based on their function.
- Different biomolecules have distinct structures and functions.
- Biomolecules present on food labels can affect health if consumed in excess or deficiency, e.g.:
- Carbohydrates: energy source, excessive consumption linked to obesity and diabetes.
- Lipids: energy source, excessive consumption linked to cardiovascular disease.
- Proteins: building blocks, deficiency linked to muscle wasting and impaired immune function.
- Nucleic acids: not typically listed on food labels, but essential for genetic regulation.
Test your knowledge on major biomolecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Learn about the classification of carbohydrates into mono-, di-, and polysaccharides, differentiate simple and complex lipids, and explore the structure, uses, and functions of nucleic acids and proteins. Identify biomolecules through physical and chemical tests or functional properties.
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