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Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes the relationship between molecular 'building blocks' and higher order structures in cells?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between molecular 'building blocks' and higher order structures in cells?
- Higher order structures determine the composition of molecular building blocks.
- Molecular building blocks combine to form macromolecules, which assemble into supramolecular structures and organelles. (correct)
- Molecular building blocks are independent of higher order structures.
- Molecular building blocks directly form organelles without intermediate structures.
Which of the following statements accurately describes a key difference between polymeric and non-polymeric molecules?
Which of the following statements accurately describes a key difference between polymeric and non-polymeric molecules?
- Polymeric molecules are exclusively found in prokaryotic cells, whereas non-polymeric molecules are unique to eukaryotic cells.
- Polymeric molecules are primarily associated with lipids, while non-polymeric molecules include carbohydrates and proteins.
- Polymeric molecules are typically smaller in size compared to non-polymeric molecules.
- Polymeric molecules are formed through the combination of building blocks, while non-polymeric molecules are not. (correct)
If a scientist discovers a new macromolecule and determines it is composed of repeating sugar units, to which class does this macromolecule likely belong?
If a scientist discovers a new macromolecule and determines it is composed of repeating sugar units, to which class does this macromolecule likely belong?
- Polysaccharides (correct)
- Lipids
- Nucleic Acids
- Proteins
Which of the following provides the best example of the role of carbohydrates in cell recognition processes?
Which of the following provides the best example of the role of carbohydrates in cell recognition processes?
A marathon runner relies on stored energy in the form of glycogen. How does the body access this energy during a race?
A marathon runner relies on stored energy in the form of glycogen. How does the body access this energy during a race?
Cellulose, a major component of plant cell walls, is classified as which type of carbohydrate?
Cellulose, a major component of plant cell walls, is classified as which type of carbohydrate?
What structural feature distinguishes RNA from DNA?
What structural feature distinguishes RNA from DNA?
Which of the following correctly pairs a function with the corresponding type of protein?
Which of the following correctly pairs a function with the corresponding type of protein?
How do the diverse 'R' groups of amino acids contribute to the overall structure and function of proteins?
How do the diverse 'R' groups of amino acids contribute to the overall structure and function of proteins?
Which of the following characteristics is common to all lipids?
Which of the following characteristics is common to all lipids?
Considering the structural role of lipids in cells, which lipid is a key component of cell membranes.
Considering the structural role of lipids in cells, which lipid is a key component of cell membranes.
Steroid hormones such as testosterone and estrogen are classified as lipids. What is their primary function in the body?
Steroid hormones such as testosterone and estrogen are classified as lipids. What is their primary function in the body?
A researcher is investigating the role of macromolecules in cellular structure and function. Which of the following assignments accurately matches a macromolecule with its primary function?
A researcher is investigating the role of macromolecules in cellular structure and function. Which of the following assignments accurately matches a macromolecule with its primary function?
A cell requires a rapid source of energy for immediate metabolic processes. Which type of carbohydrate would be most readily used?
A cell requires a rapid source of energy for immediate metabolic processes. Which type of carbohydrate would be most readily used?
In a comparison between starch and glycogen, which statement accurately describes their structural and functional differences?
In a comparison between starch and glycogen, which statement accurately describes their structural and functional differences?
If a new infectious agent is identified and scientists determine that it lacks nucleic acids, which of the following macromolecules would be least effective to target in order to inhibit its replication?
If a new infectious agent is identified and scientists determine that it lacks nucleic acids, which of the following macromolecules would be least effective to target in order to inhibit its replication?
A patient is diagnosed with a genetic disorder due to a defect in a specific protein. Which level of biological organization is most directly affected by this defect?
A patient is diagnosed with a genetic disorder due to a defect in a specific protein. Which level of biological organization is most directly affected by this defect?
In the context of carbohydrate functions, how does cellulose contribute to the overall structure and function of plant cells, and where is it primarily located?
In the context of carbohydrate functions, how does cellulose contribute to the overall structure and function of plant cells, and where is it primarily located?
A cell membrane is composed primarily of phospholipids arranged in a bilayer. How do the hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties of phospholipids contribute to the structure and function of the cell membrane?
A cell membrane is composed primarily of phospholipids arranged in a bilayer. How do the hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties of phospholipids contribute to the structure and function of the cell membrane?
Consider the process of protein synthesis within a cell. How do nucleic acids, specifically mRNA, contribute to this process, and what is the role of ribosomes in this context?
Consider the process of protein synthesis within a cell. How do nucleic acids, specifically mRNA, contribute to this process, and what is the role of ribosomes in this context?
If a researcher is studying a metabolic pathway and wants to inhibit a specific enzymatic reaction, which type of macromolecule would they most likely target?
If a researcher is studying a metabolic pathway and wants to inhibit a specific enzymatic reaction, which type of macromolecule would they most likely target?
Given that lipids are non-polymeric, how do they achieve diverse functions within cells, and what distinguishes them from polymeric macromolecules like proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates?
Given that lipids are non-polymeric, how do they achieve diverse functions within cells, and what distinguishes them from polymeric macromolecules like proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates?
How would a deficiency in lipids affect the body?
How would a deficiency in lipids affect the body?
What characteristic of nucleic acids allows them to carry the genetic code?
What characteristic of nucleic acids allows them to carry the genetic code?
If the R group of an amino acid contains a carboxyl group, how would this affect the overall structure of the protein?
If the R group of an amino acid contains a carboxyl group, how would this affect the overall structure of the protein?
If a scientist labels sections of a strand of hair as either the building block or the higher order structure, what would those labels be?
If a scientist labels sections of a strand of hair as either the building block or the higher order structure, what would those labels be?
A new macromolecule is found to be comprised of glycerol and fatty acids. What could be its role in the cell?
A new macromolecule is found to be comprised of glycerol and fatty acids. What could be its role in the cell?
Why do muscle cells contain glycogen instead of cellulose?
Why do muscle cells contain glycogen instead of cellulose?
In terms of hierarchy, what comes immediately after macromolecules?
In terms of hierarchy, what comes immediately after macromolecules?
Which of the following is NOT a function of lipids?
Which of the following is NOT a function of lipids?
The role of RNA polymerase and hydrolytic enzymes are analogous because they both:
The role of RNA polymerase and hydrolytic enzymes are analogous because they both:
Given their diverse range of functions, what macromolecule do cells use to perform the majority of their functions?
Given their diverse range of functions, what macromolecule do cells use to perform the majority of their functions?
How might a pharmaceutical company exploit lipids to deliver drugs?
How might a pharmaceutical company exploit lipids to deliver drugs?
Proteins are transcribed from information from which macromolecule?
Proteins are transcribed from information from which macromolecule?
If two structures are attached to the outside of a cell could one be glycogen and the other be amylose?
If two structures are attached to the outside of a cell could one be glycogen and the other be amylose?
What role do carbohydrates have with regards to bacterium?
What role do carbohydrates have with regards to bacterium?
Why are fats more effective for long term energy storage than carbohydrates?
Why are fats more effective for long term energy storage than carbohydrates?
Are lipids non polar or hydrophobic?
Are lipids non polar or hydrophobic?
Flashcards
Macromolecules
Macromolecules
Molecules necessary for life, typically composed of thousands of atoms and made up of smaller units called building blocks.
Biomolecule
Biomolecule
A molecule produced by a living organism.
Monosaccharides
Monosaccharides
Simple carbohydrates, also known as sugars.
Disaccharides
Disaccharides
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Oligosaccharides
Oligosaccharides
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Polysaccharides
Polysaccharides
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Plant Carbohydrates
Plant Carbohydrates
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Animal Carbohydrates
Animal Carbohydrates
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Nucleic Acids
Nucleic Acids
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Proteins
Proteins
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Lipids
Lipids
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Regulatory Lipids
Regulatory Lipids
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Building blocks
Building blocks
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Functions of Carbohydrates
Functions of Carbohydrates
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Functions of proteins
Functions of proteins
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Building Blocks
Building Blocks
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Study Notes
- Lecture 2 focuses on cell structure and diversity, specifically the building blocks of cells.
- The lecture is presented by Dr. Annika Bokor from the Department of Biochemistry.
- After revising Lecture 2, students are expected learn to:
- Outline the relationships between molecular building blocks and higher-order structures in cells
- Identify the structures of the major types of macromolecules
- Describe the roles of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids in cells
Composition of a Typical Mammalian Cell
- Water makes up 70% of a typical mammalian cell with inorganic ions making up only 1%.
- Proteins comprise 18% while RNA only makes up only 1.1%.
- DNA makes up only 0.25%, phospholipids and other lipids make up 5%, and polysaccharides account for 2%.
Scales of Nature
- Electron Microscopy is used on small molecules
- Light microscopy is useful when looking at the nucleus
- The unaided eye can see things like human height, muscle, and chicken eggs
Biological Molecules
- Biological molecules are organized into higher order structures.
- Building blocks include:
- Amino acids
- Nucleobases
- Simple carbohydrates
- Glycerol, fatty acids, and hydrocarbon rings
- Macromolecules include:
- Proteins
- DNA (nucleic acid)
- RNA (nucleic acid)
- Complex carbohydrates
- Lipids
- Supramolecular assemblies include:
- Membranes
- Ribosomes
- Chromatin
- Organelles include:
- Nucleus
- Mitochondria
- Golgi apparatus
- Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
Macromolecules
- Macromolecules are organic biological molecules necessary for life, typically composed of thousands of atoms.
- Macromolecules are made up of smaller units called building blocks (monomers) that are joined by covalent (chemically strong) bonds.
- Most building blocks come together to form polymeric molecules.
- Some form non-polymeric molecules
- A biomolecule is ANY molecule that is produced by a living organism.
- All life is composed mainly of four macromolecules:
- Polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates)
- Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA)
- Proteins
- Lipids (non-polymeric macromolecule)
- Polysaccharides, nucleic acids, and proteins are polymeric macromolecules, while lipids are non-polymeric.
- Polymeric molecules are molecules created by polymerization of building blocks.
Carbohydrates
- There are four 'levels' of carbohydrates:
- Monosaccharides (simple carbohydrates, a.k.a. sugars)
- Disaccharides (simple carbohydrates, a.k.a. sugars)
- Oligosaccharides (complex carbohydrates)
- Polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates)
Monosaccharides
- Monosaccharides are the single unit building blocks of carbohydrates.
- Hexose monosaccharides are the building blocks of higher-order carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, galactose).
- Pentose monosaccharides are usually part of larger molecules, such as nucleic acids (deoxyribose, ribose).
Disaccharides
- Disaccharides form when two monosaccharides join together.
- Examples include:
- Sucrose which Glucose + Fructose
- Lactose which is Galactose + Glucose
- Maltose which is Glucose + Glucose
Oligosaccharides
- Oligosaccharides consist of several monosaccharides linked together (3 to approximately 10).
Polysaccharides
- Polysaccharides consist of many monosaccharides linked together—more than 10 linked monosaccharides.
- Carbohydrates are polymers of monosaccharides
- Polysaccharides are classified in two groups plant and animal
- Plant carbs include:
- Amylose - energy storage for plants, alpha 1-4 linkage linear molecule
- Amylopectin - energy storage for plants, branched molecule
- Cellulose - structural role in plants that forms cell walls
- Glycogen is the most abundant form used for animal carbohydrate storage
Functions of Carbohydrates
- Carbohydrates function as recognition elements on cell surfaces.
- Carbohydrates function as energy storage
- Carbohydrates function as structure.
Nucleic Acids
- Nucleic acids serve as informational molecules, including:
- Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
- Ribonucleic acid (RNA)
- The building block of nucleic acids is the nucleotide, which comprises:
- A phosphate group
- A ribose sugar
- And a base
Polynucleotides
- Nucleic acids are polymers of nucleotides.
- Common bases include:
- Thymine (T)
- Adenine (A)
- Cytosine (C)
- Guanine (G)
- Uracil (U)
RNA vs. DNA
- RNA is a ribonucleic acid
- DNA is deoxyribonucleic acid
Proteins
- Proteins are molecules by which cells perform their functions in the whole organism.
- Proteins are polymers, consisting of amino acids.
- The 20 amino acids differ by their 'R' group (side chain).
- The creation of proteins uses two key processes:
- Transcription of gene into mRNA(messenger)
- Followed by Translation into a protein (workhorse of the cell)
Functions of Proteins
- Proteins perform a variety of biological functions:
- Structural functions: Collagen (protein in the skin and bones
- Regulatory functions: Insulin (a peptide hormone)
- Contractile functions: Actin, myosin (muscle proteins)
- Transport functions: Hemoglobin, Cytochrome C
- Storage functions: Egg whites, Seed proteins
- Protective functions: Antibodies
- Catalytic functions: Hydrolytic in lysosomes and RNA polymerase (enzymes)
- Toxic functions: Botulinum toxin and diphtheria toxin.
Lipids
- Lipids are not polymers.
- They are are heterogeneous, including:
- Triacylglycerols (“fats”)
- Steroids (sterols)
- Phospholipids
- Glycolipids
- Fat soluble vitamins
- Lipids are also hydrophobic
Functions of Lipids
- Lipids have structural roles like cholesterol and phospholipids in the cell membrane.
- Lipids regulate function like fatty acids
- Lipids have roles in energy storage, such as “fat” molecules, triacylglycerol (TAG)
Lecture 2 Summary
- Building blocks are the single-unit monomers that make up higher-order structures in cells.
- Building blocks that make up a polymeric macromolecule are structurally very similar, or identical, to each other.
- Monosaccharides, nucleotides, and amino acids make up polymeric macromolecules: carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and proteins, respectively.
- Carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids have multiple and different functions within a cell.
- Nucleic acids are 'information' macromolecules.
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Description
Explore cell structure and diversity focusing on the building blocks of cells. Learn about the relationships between molecular building blocks and higher-order structures and identify the structures of macromolecules. Discover roles of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids in cells.
