Biomolecules: Organic vs Inorganic Compounds

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of carbohydrates in living organisms?

Transport nutrients

Protect cell structure

Store energy (correct)

Store genetic information

Which of the following is a correct example of a disaccharide?

Cellulose

Sucrose (correct)

Glycogen

Glucose

Which monomer is the building block of proteins?

Fatty acids

Nucleotides

Amino acids (correct)

Monosaccharides

What ratio of elements consists in carbohydrates?

1:2:1 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of carbohydrates is composed of three or more monosaccharides?

Polysaccharide Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic that differentiates organic compounds from inorganic compounds?

Organic compounds always contain carbon. Signup and view all the answers

What role does carbon play in the formation of molecules?

Carbon can form stable bonds with four other atoms. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a polymer?

DNA Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes catabolism?

It involves the breakdown of biomolecules to release energy. Signup and view all the answers

What is a monomer?

A single unit that can link to form a polymer. Signup and view all the answers

Which process is an example of anabolism?

Using nutrients from digestion to synthesize complex molecules. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an organic compound?

Water (H2O) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of anabolic reactions in the body?

To increase tissue size and produce hormones. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main building blocks of lipids?

Glycerol and fatty acids Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fatty acid is primarily found in animal fats?

Saturated fats Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of unsaturated fats?

Mostly derived from plants Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of phospholipids in cells?

Structural component of cell membranes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following lipids is known for having a glycerol backbone?

Triglycerides Signup and view all the answers

What is a common health risk associated with high consumption of saturated fats?

Circulatory disorders Signup and view all the answers

Which type of lipid is characterized by four fused carbon rings?

Steroids Signup and view all the answers

What do hydrophobic lipids typically do in water?

Form distinct layers Signup and view all the answers

Which disaccharide is formed by the combination of glucose and fructose?

Sucrose Signup and view all the answers

What type of molecule is cellulose categorized as?

Structural polysaccharide Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes maltose?

A disaccharide formed from two glucose molecules Signup and view all the answers

Which biomolecule consists of chains of hydrocarbons and is insoluble in water?

Lipids Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of polysaccharides in biological systems?

Provide energy storage or structural support Signup and view all the answers

Which of these sugars is considered a monosaccharide?

Galactose Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about glycogen is true?

Glycogen is stored in the liver and is a major polysaccharide in the body Signup and view all the answers

What process involves the removal of water to form disaccharides from monosaccharides?

Dehydration synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is atherosclerosis primarily characterized by?

Build-up of plaque inside the arteries Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cholesterol is considered 'good'?

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function of testosterone?

Maintaining male secondary sexual characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What happens when excess sugars are present in the body?

They can be converted into fats Signup and view all the answers

What type of hormones are glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids?

Steroid hormones Signup and view all the answers

What role do lipoproteins play in the body?

Transporting cholesterol and fats in the bloodstream Signup and view all the answers

What are esters derived from?

Carboxylic acids and alcohols Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of balancing lipid intake?

To prevent unhealthy weight gain Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Organic vs. Inorganic Compounds

Organic compounds always contain carbon, often with carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds.
Inorganic compounds typically do not contain carbon.
Examples:
- Salt (NaCl) and Water (H2O) are inorganic.
- Sugar (C6H12O6), DNA, and lipids are organic.

Importance of Carbon

Carbon's unique ability to form four bonds allows diverse molecular structures.
Essential for creating complex biomolecules.

Biomolecules

Four primary types: Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, Nucleic Acids.

Polymers and Monomers

Polymers are chains of similar monomers linked by covalent bonds.
Monomers are the basic building blocks of polymers.

Metabolism

Biochemical reactions that convert food into energy:
- Catabolism: Breakdown of biomolecules to release energy, e.g., digestion of food.
- Anabolism: Synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy.

Major Biomolecules

Carbohydrates
- Composed of C, H, O in a 1:2:1 ratio.
- Monomer: Monosaccharide; Polymer: Polysaccharide.
- Examples: Glucose, fructose, starch, cellulose.
Proteins
- Made up of amino acids.
- Serve as building blocks and perform cell functions.
Lipids
- Contain long hydrocarbon chains; usually insoluble in water.
- Main components: Glycerol and fatty acids.
- Functions include energy storage and membrane structure.
Nucleic Acids
- Composed of nucleotides.
- Carry genetic information (e.g., DNA and RNA).

Types of Carbohydrates

Monosaccharides: Single sugar units (e.g., Glucose, Fructose).
Disaccharides: Two monosaccharides joined (e.g., Sucrose, Lactose).
Polysaccharides: Long chains of monosaccharides (e.g., Starch, Cellulose).

Formation of Disaccharides

Formed through condensation (removal of water) and broken down by hydrolysis (addition of water).
Examples of formation:
- Glucose + Glucose = Maltose
- Glucose + Galactose = Lactose

Lipids Overview

Diverse group, including fats, oils, waxes, and steroids.
Functions include long-term energy storage and insulation.
Hydrocarbon structure made of chains of C and H.

Types of Fatty Acids

Saturated fats: Single bonds in the chain, solid at room temperature.
Unsaturated fats: One or more double bonds, usually liquid at room temperature.

Lipid Classes

Triglycerides: Most common type of fat, made of glycerol and three fatty acids.
Phospholipids: Key components of cell membranes, form bilayers.
Steroids: Hormones that regulate metabolism and biological processes (e.g., cholesterol).

Cholesterol and Health

Cholesterol is crucial for cell structure but excessive levels can lead to atherosclerosis.
Lipoproteins transport cholesterol in the bloodstream:
- HDL (good cholesterol) removes excess cholesterol from tissues.
- LDL (bad cholesterol) contributes to plaque buildup.

Hormones

Testosterone: Develops male characteristics.
Estrogen and Progesterone: Regulate female reproductive functions.

Summary of Key Points

Balance lipid intake is essential for health; excess can lead to weight gain.
Sugars can convert to fat if not used by the body.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental differences between organic and inorganic compounds, emphasizing the presence of carbon. Dive into examples such as salts, sugars, and water to understand their classifications better. Test your knowledge on identifying various compounds in this essential topic of biomolecules!