Hemoglobin and Biomolecules

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of the hemoglobin molecule's mass is contributed by iron ions?

0.01%

0.3% (correct)

30%

What is a characteristic of biomolecules derived from hydrocarbons?

They are always ionic compounds

They always contain oxygen atoms

They have functional groups replacing hydrogen atoms (correct)

They are always polyfunctional

What determines the physical-chemical properties of a biomolecule?

The molecular weight of the biomolecule

The number of functional groups present

The chemistry of its functional groups and their disposition in 3D space (correct)

The presence of iron ions

What is the name of the biomolecule that carries acetyl groups in enzymatic reactions?

Acetyl-CoA Signup and view all the answers

What are the major classes of biomolecules?

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic do proteins exhibit in terms of molecular masses?

High molecular masses expressed in kDa Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of lipids?

They are organic molecules soluble in chloroform Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of amphiphilic lipids?

They have both hydrophilic and lipophilic parts Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of nucleic acids in terms of their composition?

They are polymers of nucleotides Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of carbohydrates?

They are polar molecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the building blocks of larger molecules called polymers?

Monomers Signup and view all the answers

What is the common name for a five-carbon sugar found in nucleotides?

Pentose Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not classified as a small molecule?

Polysaccharides Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the analysis of biological activity and detection of biological molecules?

BioAnalytical Chemistry Signup and view all the answers

What is the Greek origin of the term 'polymers'?

Polys meaning many and meros meaning parts Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the collection of small organic molecules within cells?

Metabolome Signup and view all the answers

What is the molecular weight range of the relatively small compounds that are polymerized to form macromolecules?

100-500 Da Signup and view all the answers

What type of bond links amino acids to form proteins?

Peptide bond Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of forming macromolecules from smaller compounds?

Polymerization Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the number of polymerized units in a macromolecule?

Degree of polymerization Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated number of different proteins in the human body?

100,000 Signup and view all the answers

What is the main product of photosynthesis?

Cellulose and other plant products Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of total dry mass do proteins make up in cells?

50% Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of certain carbohydrates in cells?

To serve as structural and protective elements Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated number of different protein types in nature?

Unknown Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of certain carbohydrates in connective tissues of animals?

To serve as structural and protective elements Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated amount of CO2 converted into plant products each year through photosynthesis?

100 billion metric tons Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of carbohydrates found in dietary staples?

They are common dietary staples Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of certain carbohydrate polymers in joints?

To lubricate skeletal joints Signup and view all the answers

What can proteins be isolated from?

Cells, tissues, organs, or whole organisms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements are classified as bulk elements in biochemistry?

Calcium and phosphorus Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of trace elements in biochemistry?

They are essential to life because they are essential to the function of specific proteins, including enzymes Signup and view all the answers

Which functional group is commonly found in biomolecules derived from hydrocarbons?

Alkyl group Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of carbon-containing compounds in biochemistry?

They are always organic Signup and view all the answers

What determines the biochemical properties of a biomolecule?

The functional groups present Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of small biomolecules found in the aqueous phase of cells?

They are polar or charged, water-soluble, and have molecular weights ranging from ~100 to ~500 Da Signup and view all the answers

What are the building blocks of DNA?

Nucleotides Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of macromolecules in cells?

They are made up of simple subunits Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of the universal set of small biomolecules in cells?

They are crucial for major metabolic pathways in cells Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of certain small biomolecules in specialized cells or organisms?

They are specific to certain cells or organisms Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vascular Plants and Metabolites

Vascular plants produce secondary metabolites with specific biological roles, including scent production and physiological effects on humans.
The metabolome consists of small organic molecules in cells, essential for metabolism and demonstrating evolutionary conservation of pathways.

Macromolecules in Cells

Biomolecules typically exist as macromolecules, which are high molecular weight polymers formed from smaller monomers.
Key macromolecules include proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides, which result from the polymerization of compounds weighing less than 500 Da.

Protein Structure

Proteins are polypeptides composed of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, structured in chains from N-terminal to C-terminal.
They represent large biomolecules, essential for various cellular functions.

Cell Structure and Organization

Cells contain supramolecular complexes, such as ribosomes and chromosomes, which are structured around macromolecules like DNA and proteins.
DNA is made of nucleotides, serving as the basic subunit in genetic material.

Small Biomolecules in Cells

The cytosol in all cells hosts 100 to 200 central metabolites critical for metabolic pathways.
Composition includes common amino acids, nucleotides, sugars, and carboxylic acids, usually polar or charged and water-soluble.

Specialized Metabolites

Certain cells or organisms may possess specific small biomolecules beyond the universal set found in all organisms.

Proteins: Abundance and Diversity

Proteins constitute approximately 50% of the total dry mass of cells and tissues.
The human body could contain around 100,000 different proteins; the exact number in nature remains undefined.

Carbohydrates and Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis converts over 100 billion metric tons of CO2 and H2O annually into cellulose and other plant products.
Carbohydrates, such as sugars and starches, are essential dietary staples and structural elements in various organisms.

Common Functional Groups in Biomolecules

Biomolecules include hydrocarbons with various functional groups, which impart diverse chemical properties.
Typical functional groups encompass alcohols, amines, carbonyls, and carboxylic acids.

Major Classes of Biomolecules

Four major classes of biomolecules are vital for life: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Each class exhibits distinctive properties, such as molecular mass and isoelectric points.

Polysaccharides and Their Functions

Polysaccharides are large carbohydrates formed from monosaccharides and can exist freely or as part of bioconjugates.
They serve as structural and protective elements in cell walls and connective tissues.

Lipids Overview

Lipids mainly consist of fatty acids and glycerol, being a diverse group soluble in chloroform.
They include various classes, such as triglycerides and phospholipids, with unique amphiphilic properties.

Nucleic Acids Composition

Nucleic acids, essential for life, are polymers of nucleotides, with DNA and RNA as their primary forms.
A nucleotide comprises a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar, and a phosphate group.

Biomolecular Classification

Biomolecules are categorized into small molecules, which include lipids and carbohydrates, and larger structures called polymers.
Polymers encompass proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides, constructed from building blocks known as monomers.

Bioanalytical Chemistry Insights

Bioanalytical chemistry focuses on analyzing biological activity and detecting biomolecules using varied scientific techniques.
Key concepts involve recognizing functional groups in biomolecules, understanding green chemistry principles, and the importance of biosampling.

Essential Elements for Life

Bulk elements serve as structural components of cells, while trace elements are crucial for specific protein functions, such as enzyme activity.

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Description

Explore the structure and function of hemoglobin, and learn about biomolecules, their derivation from hydrocarbons, and common functional groups. Understand the composition and properties of these essential biological molecules.