CHE 331 Module 1 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for the abundance of oxygen and hydrogen in living organisms?

They are the most reactive elements.

Water, which contains these elements, is ubiquitous. (correct)

They form strong ionic bonds with carbon.

They are essential for photosynthesis.

Which of the following elements constitutes 98% of a living organism's composition?

Oxygen, Hydrogen, Carbon (correct)

Oxygen, Nitrogen, Manganese

Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus

Nitrogen, Sulfur, Iron

What are the four major classes of biological molecules found in all life forms?

Lipids, Nucleic acids, Amino acids, Sugars

Proteins, Nucleic acids, Carbohydrates, Lipids (correct)

Nucleic acids, Sugars, Vitamins, Lipids

Proteins, Carbohydrates, Enzymes, Nucleic acids

What does the Central Dogma explain in living systems?

The transfer of genetic information. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells are larger and have compartmentalized functions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of carbon in biological molecules?

It forms strong covalent bonds with itself. Signup and view all the answers

Which element is NOT considered one of the major components of living organisms?

Iron Signup and view all the answers

How many different substances does the human body contain?

Around 500,000 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of DNA polymerase in the process of DNA replication?

Synthesis of new DNA strands Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of RNA polymerase during transcription?

Synthesis of messenger RNA (mRNA) Signup and view all the answers

Which organelle is primarily responsible for ATP production in a cell?

Mitochondrion Signup and view all the answers

What role do ribosomes play in the process of translation?

Translating mRNA into protein Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Golgi complex?

Addition of carbohydrates and processing of proteins Signup and view all the answers

Which cell structure is characterized as the information center of the cell?

Nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What process does the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) primarily specialize in?

Processing and synthesizing proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of lysosomes within a cell?

Digestion of damaged organelles Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of proteins in living cells?

Provide structural support and catalyze reactions Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about nucleic acids?

They store and transfer information for cellular functions Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes DNA from RNA?

DNA has deoxyribose sugar while RNA has ribose sugar Signup and view all the answers

How do lipids primarily function in cells?

To form membranes and store energy Signup and view all the answers

What role do carbohydrates play in living organisms?

They act as a fuel source and are important for cellular recognition Signup and view all the answers

What is referred to as the 'command and control centre' of the cell?

Nucleic Acids Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about glycogen is correct?

Glycogen is a carbohydrate that stores energy in animals Signup and view all the answers

What does the central dogma of molecular biology describe?

The flow of genetic information within a biological system Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unity of Life

All organisms share remarkable uniformity at the molecular level, exemplified by Jaques Monod's quote linking E. coli and elephants.
Organisms consist primarily of a limited number of elements, significantly dominated by hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen.

Composition of Living Organisms

Approximately 98% of a living organism is made up of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon.
Carbon's strength in forming stable bonds makes it central to large biological molecules.
Other elements like phosphorus, sulfur, iron, and magnesium are also essential, but make up a smaller percentage.

Major Classes of Biological Molecules

Four primary types of biomolecules are essential for all life forms:
- Proteins: Essential for cell structure, mobility, immune function, signaling, and catalyzing reactions.
- Nucleic Acids: Serve as the command center for cells, consisting of DNA and RNA, crucial for storing and transferring genetic information.
- Lipids: Function as cellular energy sources and form membranes; not polymers like the other classes.
- Carbohydrates: Act as energy sources (e.g., glucose and glycogen) and play roles in cellular recognition.

The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

Proposed by Francis Crick in 1958, describing the flow of genetic information.
Key processes:
- DNA Replication: Enzyme DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands.
- Transcription: RNA polymerase transcribes DNA to mRNA.
- Translation: mRNA is translated into proteins at ribosomes.

Eukaryotic vs. Prokaryotic Cells

Cells are the basic unit of life, which can be unicellular or multicellular, bounded by a lipid bilayer membrane.
Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus (the largest organelle) and other organelles like mitochondria (ATP production) and chloroplasts (photosynthesis).
Organelles work collaboratively to process proteins and materials, highlighting the complexity of eukaryotic cells compared to prokaryotic cells.

Organelles and Their Functions

Smooth ER: Processes external chemicals.
Rough ER: Site of protein synthesis with ribosomes, transferring proteins to the Golgi complex.
Golgi Complex: Modifies proteins made in the Rough ER and prepares them for transport.
Secretory Granules: Transport proteins to the plasma membrane for secretion.
Lysosomes: Digest damaged organelles and other materials through hydrolysis.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the fundamental concepts of biochemistry and the unity of life as covered in CHE 331 Module 1. This quiz explores the molecular similarities among organisms and the major classes of biological molecules. Dive deep into understanding the building blocks of living systems.