Introduction to Biomolecules and Enzymes

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Questions and Answers

Which element is not commonly found in proteins?

Phosphorus (correct)

Hydrogen

Carbon

Nitrogen

Which of the following accurately describes the structure of RNA?

Double-stranded with Deoxyribose

Double-stranded with Thymine

Single-stranded with Thymine

Single-stranded with Ribose (correct)

What links the 3’ carbon of one nucleotide to the 5’ carbon of another nucleotide?

Phosphodiester bonds (correct)

Amino acids

Hydrogen bonds

Nitrogenous bases

In which scenario is Thymine replaced by Uracil?

In RNA during transcription Signup and view all the answers

Which process can lead to sickle cell anemia?

Change in the primary structure of proteins Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of nitrogenous bases in nucleic acids?

They carry the genetic code Signup and view all the answers

What type of sugar forms the backbone of nucleic acids?

Pentose sugar Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the elemental composition of proteins is incorrect?

They always contain Sulfur. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of phosphodiester bonds in DNA?

They link nucleotides to form the sugar-phosphate backbone. Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the strands of DNA?

They run alongside each other in opposite directions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary result of dehydration or condensation synthesis in biomolecules?

Production of water and polymers Signup and view all the answers

Which biomolecule is primarily involved in the storage and expression of genomic information?

Nucleic acids Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes organic biomolecules from inorganic biomolecules?

Organic biomolecules contain carbon Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of enzymes in biological processes?

To catalyze or speed up chemical reactions Signup and view all the answers

What best describes monomers in the context of biomolecules?

Smaller or single molecules that combine to form polymers Signup and view all the answers

Which reaction type is responsible for the breakdown of polymers?

Hydrolysis reaction Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary building block of proteins?

Amino acids Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding polymers is correct?

Polymers consist of long chains of monomers Signup and view all the answers

What role do inorganic substances like water and inorganic salts play in living organisms?

They facilitate biochemical reactions and structural integrity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a hydrolysis reaction?

Decomposition of polymers into monomers using water Signup and view all the answers

What primarily determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein?

The sequence of nucleotides in DNA Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT mentioned as a cause of protein denaturation?

Alteration in amino acid sequence Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of structural proteins?

To provide support and shape to cells Signup and view all the answers

Which type of protein is primarily involved in cell signaling and communication?

Receptor proteins Signup and view all the answers

How do side chains of amino acids influence proteins?

They affect the protein's chemical properties and functions Signup and view all the answers

What process is disrupted when a protein denatures?

Protein folding Signup and view all the answers

What defines a polypeptide?

A sequence of amino acids linked covalently by peptide bonds Signup and view all the answers

Which type of proteins are responsible for fostering an immune response?

Defensive proteins Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the relationship between protein structure and function?

A specific amino acid sequence leads to a specific structure, affecting function Signup and view all the answers

Which type of protein assists in accelerating biochemical reactions?

Enzymes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biomolecules

Biomolecules are the fundamental building blocks of organisms, facilitating biological processes. They are also known as macromolecules or polymers.
Inorganic molecules (80%) are carbon-free, including water and inorganic salts.
Organic molecules (20%) contain carbon, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Dehydration/Condensation Synthesis

Two or more monomers combine to form polymers through the removal of a water molecule.
The process creates water and polymers.

Hydrolysis Reaction

Molecules break down by reacting with water.
Polymers are broken down into monomers.
Water is added to break the bonds between monomers.
This process is essential for digestion.

Enzymes

Enzymes are biological molecules that speed up or catalyze reactions.
They are crucial for chemical reactions within organisms.
"Ase" is a common suffix for enzymes.
Some enzymes cannot digest artificial sweeteners.

Polymers

Polymers are long chains of many small molecules (monomers).
They are large complex molecules.
Examples include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Monomers

Monomers are small molecules that can combine to form polymers.
They include monosaccharides (carbohydrates), fatty acids (lipids), amino acids (proteins), and nucleotides (nucleic acids).

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids store and express genomic information.
They are made of three subunits: phosphate, sugar (pentose), and nitrogenous base.

DNA and RNA

DNA is double-stranded and RNA is single-stranded.
These structures differ in the sugar and nitrogenous base they use.
DNA: deoxyribose, adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine
RNA: ribose, adenine, uracil, guanine, cytosine
Rules of base pairing: A pairs with T (DNA), & A pairs with U (RNA); C pairs with G in both DNA and RNA.
The genetic code is held in the sequence of nucleotides carried by nucleic acids.

Proteins

Proteins are polymers of amino acids.
They have varying functions depending on their structure and amino acid sequence (which is determined by DNA).
Functions include enzymes, structural components, motility (movement), transport, hormones, regulatory proteins, receptors, and defensive proteins (immune system).

Sickle Cell Anemia

A change in the order of primary proteins can cause an inherited disorder resulting in having too few healthy red blood cells. This affects the body's ability to carry oxygen.

Protein Denaturation

Protein shape and function can change due to environmental factors like pH, salt concentration, and temperature.
This can cause the protein to become inactive.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are the monomers that make up proteins.
Different amino acids have different side chains, which affect a protein's properties and function.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts related to biomolecules, including their classification into inorganic and organic types. Additionally, it addresses important processes such as dehydration synthesis, hydrolysis, and the role of enzymes. Test your understanding of how these processes contribute to biological functions.