Introduction to Biological Molecules
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following lipids is composed of two fatty acids, glycerol, and a phosphate group?

  • Triglycerides
  • Saturated fats
  • Phospholipids (correct)
  • Steroids

Triglycerides are made up of a glycerol molecule and two fatty acids.

False (B)

Name a type of lipid that has a core structure of four carbon rings.

Steroids

The material forming the outer membrane of cells is largely composed of __________.

<p>phospholipids</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following lipids with their characteristics:

<p>Triglycerides = Composed of a glycerol and three fatty acids Phospholipids = Form outer cell membranes Steroids = Four-ring carbon structure Cholesterol = Type of steroid involved in cellular structure</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the 'rails' of the DNA double helix primarily composed of?

<p>Sugar and phosphate groups (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

RNA stands for ribonucleic acid.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of DNA in living organisms?

<p>It stores genetic information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

RNA helps transport information from DNA to the sites of ______________.

<p>protein synthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following components with their functions:

<p>DNA = Stores genetic information RNA = Transports genetic information Deoxyribose = Sugar in DNA Ribosomes = Sites of protein synthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are carbohydrates primarily formed from?

<p>Simple sugars (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Glycogen is the primary nutrient storage form of carbohydrates in plants.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one polysaccharide that serves structural functions in organisms.

<p>Cellulose</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chitin forms the _____ skeleton of arthropods.

<p>external</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following complex carbohydrates with their functions:

<p>Starch = Nutrient storage in plants Glycogen = Nutrient storage in animals Cellulose = Structural component in cell walls Chitin = Forms external skeletons of arthropods</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a polysaccharide mentioned in the content?

<p>Glucose (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

All lipids share a common structural element.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of lipids?

<p>They do not readily dissolve in water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is carbon considered a central element to life?

<p>It can form stable covalent bonds with many atoms (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Carbon has eight electrons in its outer shell.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do functional groups have on carbon-based molecules?

<p>They confer special properties and can affect bonding capacity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Adding an –OH group to a hydrocarbon results in the formation of an __________.

<p>alcohol</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following functional groups with their properties:

<p>–OH = Alcohol formation –NH2 = Amine formation –COOH = Carboxylic acid formation –PO4 = Phosphate group</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a functional group that affects carbon compounds?

<p>Carbon group (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Functional groups can affect the polarity of carbon-based molecules.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the bonding capacity of carbon largely attributed to?

<p>Its four valence electrons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of waxes in the living world?

<p>Sealing and protection (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Phospholipids have both polar and nonpolar components.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the monomers that compose proteins?

<p>Amino acids</p> Signup and view all the answers

Phospholipids are described as having a _____ head and _____ tails.

<p>polar, nonpolar</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of proteins with their functions:

<p>Enzymes = Hasten chemical reactions Structural proteins = Build structures like hair Transport proteins = Carry substances in the body Defense proteins = Protect against diseases</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what orientation do phospholipids arrange themselves in an aqueous environment?

<p>Polar heads face outward (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Waxes are formed from a fatty acid linked to a short-chain alcohol.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structural feature allows proteins to perform their specific tasks?

<p>Folding of polypeptide chains</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structure is formed by linking two or more polypeptide chains together?

<p>Quaternary structure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Glycoproteins are only made of carbohydrates and cannot contain any proteins.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the building blocks of DNA?

<p>Nucleotides</p> Signup and view all the answers

High-density lipoproteins () and low-density lipoproteins () transport cholesterol in human beings.

<p>HDLs; LDLs</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of biological molecules with their descriptions:

<p>Lipoproteins = Combinations of lipids and proteins Glycoproteins = Combinations of carbohydrates and proteins Nucleic acids = Polymers composed of nucleotides Proteins = Polypeptides that perform various biological functions</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sugar is found in the nucleotides of DNA?

<p>Deoxyribose (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Quaternary structure refers to the folded structure of a single polypeptide chain.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of lipoproteins are important determinants of human heart disease?

<p>High-density and low-density lipoproteins (HDLs and LDLs)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Why is Carbon Central to Life?

Carbon is the cornerstone element of life.

Carbon's Bonding Capacity

Carbon has a unique ability to form four stable bonds with other atoms, including other carbon atoms.

Carbon's Electron Shell

Carbon's outer electron shell requires four more electrons to become stable. It can achieve this by forming four covalent bonds.

Functional Groups

Specific groups of atoms, known as functional groups, attach to carbon chains and give molecules unique properties.

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Alcohol Formation

The addition of an -OH group to a hydrocarbon molecule always results in the formation of an alcohol.

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Functional Group Impact

Functional groups often bring electrical charge or polarity to molecules, directly affecting their bonding capabilities.

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Molecular Diversity from Functional Groups

Diverse molecules can be formed by adding different functional groups to a carbon backbone.

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Functional Groups and Life

Functional groups allow carbon-based molecules to vary in their properties and create a vast range of molecules essential for life.

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Triglycerides

A type of lipid composed of a glycerol molecule attached to three fatty acids.

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What is the structure of a triglyceride?

A glycerol molecule with three fatty acids attached.

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Steroids

A type of lipid with four fused carbon rings, like cholesterol, testosterone, and estrogen.

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Phospholipids

The primary component of cell membranes, containing two fatty acids, a glycerol molecule, and a phosphate group.

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What is the role of phospholipids?

A major component of biological membranes, providing structure and flexibility.

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What are carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are organic molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They serve as the primary energy source for living organisms, with glucose being a fundamental building block.

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What are simple sugars?

Simple sugars, such as glucose and fructose, are the basic building blocks of carbohydrates. They are often referred to as monosaccharides.

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What are complex carbohydrates?

Complex carbohydrates are formed by linking multiple simple sugars together. Examples include starch, glycogen, cellulose, and chitin.

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What is starch?

Starch is a storage form of carbohydrates in plants, providing an energy reserve for the plant. It is found in potatoes, grains, and other plant-based foods.

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What is glycogen?

Glycogen is a storage form of carbohydrates in animals, providing a readily accessible supply of energy. It is primarily found in the liver and muscles.

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What is cellulose?

Cellulose is a structural carbohydrate found in the cell walls of plants, providing strength and support. It is a major component of plant fiber and wood.

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What is chitin?

Chitin is a tough carbohydrate that forms the exoskeletons of arthropods, such as insects, crustaceans, and spiders. It provides protection and support.

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What are lipids?

Lipids are a diverse group of organic molecules that are characterized by their insolubility in water. They include fats, oils, waxes, and steroids.

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Tertiary Structure of a Protein

A protein's three-dimensional structure formed by the folding of a polypeptide chain.

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Quaternary Structure of a Protein

The arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains in a protein complex.

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Lipoproteins

Molecules comprising both lipids (fats) and proteins, crucial for transporting cholesterol in the body.

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Glycoproteins

Molecules consisting of carbohydrates and proteins, commonly found as cell surface receptors.

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Nucleic Acids

Large biological molecules made up of chains of nucleotides.

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Nucleotides

The basic building blocks of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

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DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

The nucleic acid that carries the genetic code in most organisms.

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Nitrogenous Bases in DNA

One of four nitrogenous bases found in DNA, including adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T).

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Phospholipid Structure

The phosphate group in a phospholipid is polar, attracting water molecules (hydrophilic). The fatty acid tails are nonpolar, repelling water molecules (hydrophobic).

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Phospholipid Orientation

Phospholipids spontaneously arrange in a bilayer in water, with their hydrophilic heads facing the water and their hydrophobic tails facing each other.

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Waxes

A class of lipids characterized by a long-chain fatty acid linked to a long-chain alcohol. They have a high melting point and are hydrophobic.

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Proteins

Large, complex biological molecules composed of amino acids linked together in long chains (polypeptides). They have diverse functions in living organisms.

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Enzymes

Proteins that catalyze (speed up) chemical reactions in living organisms. Each enzyme has a specific shape that interacts with a particular molecule (substrate).

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Structural Proteins

Proteins that provide structural support in cells, tissues, and organs. They contribute to the shape and stability of structures.

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Protein Primary Structure

The amino acid sequence of a protein, which determines its three-dimensional structure and function.

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What is DNA?

A nucleic acid that serves as the blueprint for all genetic information in an organism. It is composed of two strands of nucleotides linked by hydrogen bonds, forming a double helix.

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What is a nucleotide?

A nucleotide is the basic building block of DNA and RNA. It is composed of a nitrogenous base, a sugar (deoxyribose in DNA and ribose in RNA), and a phosphate group.

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What are the components of the DNA double helix?

The outer “rails” of the DNA double helix are composed of sugar and phosphate components, while the “rungs” of the ladder are made up of nitrogenous bases linked together by hydrogen bonds.

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How does DNA store genetic information?

The sequence of bases in DNA encodes the information for the production of proteins necessary for all life processes.

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What is RNA?

RNA is a nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis. It transports the genetic information encoded in DNA to ribosomes, where proteins are made. It also helps form the structure of ribosomes.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Biological Molecules

  • Biology is a guide to the natural world.
  • Life's components are biological molecules.
  • The content focuses on carbon as the central element in life, functional groups, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Carbon's Central Role in Life

  • Carbon is a central element to life; most biological molecules are built on a carbon framework.
  • Carbon has great bonding capacity due to its structure.
  • Carbon's outer shell has only four of the eight electrons necessary for maximum stability in most elements.
  • Carbon atoms form stable covalent bonds with a wide variety of atoms, including other carbon atoms.

Functional Groups

  • Functional groups are groups of atoms that confer special properties to carbon-based molecules.
  • The addition of an -OH group to a hydrocarbon molecule creates an alcohol.
  • Functional groups impart electrical charge or polarity to molecules, thus, affecting their bonding capacity.
  • Examples of functional groups (with examples of molecules they are found in) are provided in Table 3.1 - including carboxyl (-COOH), hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH2), and phosphate (-PO4).

Carbohydrates

  • Simple sugars form carbohydrates.
  • Monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides are types of carbohydrates.
  • Glucose, sucrose, glycogen, starch, cellulose, and chitin are examples of carbohydrates.
  • Starch is for nutrient storage in plants, glycogen is for animal nutrient storage, cellulose for structural support in plants (cell walls), and chitin for structural support in animals (exoskeletons).
  • Carbohydrates have important roles in energy storage and structural support.

Lipids

  • Lipids are a diverse group of molecules that do not readily dissolve in water.
  • Examples include triglycerides, steroids, phospholipids, and waxes.
  • Triglycerides consist of a glyceride and three fatty acids.
  • Most fats consumed by humans are triglycerides.
  • Steroids like cholesterol and hormones (testosterone, estrogen) are vital components.
  • Phospholipids are a key component of cell membranes.
  • Waxes provide a protective coating to plant surfaces.
  • Lipids have various roles in energy storage, insulation, and structural roles.

Proteins

  • Proteins are composed of amino acids.
  • Amino acids form polypeptide chains, which fold into working proteins.
  • Proteins are diverse and have important roles including acting as enzymes (catalyzing reactions), hormones (chemical messengers), transport molecules (like hemoglobin), contractile proteins (movement), protective proteins (healing/defense), structural proteins (mechanical support), storage proteins (nutrient storage), toxins (defense compounds), and communication proteins (cell signaling).
  • The primary structure of a protein is its amino acid sequence; secondary structure is the form after folding; tertiary structure is the three-dimensional shape; and quaternary structure is the way two or more polypeptide chains interact to form a protein.
  • Lipoproteins, glycoproteins, and other combinations of proteins and other molecules complete the diverse roles of proteins.

Nucleic Acids

  • Nucleic acids, like DNA and RNA, are polymers made up of nucleotides.
  • DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) stores genetic information and the sequence of its bases encodes protein production instructions.
  • RNA (ribonucleic acid) carries the genetic instructions from DNA to the sites of protein synthesis (ribosomes) and helps form ribosome structures.

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Biology: A Guide to the Natural World - Biological Molecules PDF

Description

Explore the essential role of carbon and functional groups in biological molecules. This quiz delves into how carbon serves as the foundation for life and the properties imparted by different functional groups on carbon-based compounds. Perfect for those studying biology at an introductory level.

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