Introduction to Biomolecules
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of carbohydrates in living organisms?

  • Structural support
  • Catalyzing reactions
  • Providing insulation
  • Energy storage (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a type of biomolecule?

  • Carbohydrates
  • Proteins
  • Nucleic acids
  • Vitamins (correct)

What ratio of atoms do carbohydrates typically have?

  • 1:2:1 (correct)
  • 1:1:1
  • 1:2:3
  • 2:1:2

Which biomolecule is primarily involved in the structural component of cell membranes?

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

Which of the following statements about proteins is true?

<p>Proteins are polymers of amino acids. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of nucleic acids?

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

Which statement accurately describes lipids?

<p>They are hydrophobic molecules. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates the structure of DNA from RNA?

<p>DNA is a double helix; RNA is single-stranded. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What are biomolecules?

Organic compounds essential to all living things, involved in various biological processes like energy storage, structure formation, and catalysis. Composed mainly of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.

What are the four main types of biomolecules?

The four major types of biomolecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

What are carbohydrates?

Organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms in a 1:2:1 ratio. Classified into monosaccharides (simple sugars), disaccharides (two monosaccharides joined), and polysaccharides (many monosaccharides joined).

What are lipids?

Diverse group of hydrophobic (water-repelling) molecules primarily composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Their functions involve energy storage, insulation, structural components of cell membranes, and signaling molecules.

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What are proteins?

Polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Each amino acid has a unique side chain, contributing to the different functions of proteins.

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What are nucleic acids?

Polymers of nucleotides. The two main types are DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). DNA stores genetic information, while RNA is involved in protein synthesis.

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Describe the structure of DNA.

A double-helix structure composed of two strands of nucleotides held together by hydrogen bonds between complementary bases (adenine-thymine, guanine-cytosine).

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Describe the structure of RNA.

A single-stranded structure that is involved in protein synthesis, carrying genetic information from DNA to ribosomes.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Biomolecules

  • Biomolecules are organic compounds essential to all living organisms
  • They are involved in various biological processes, such as energy storage, structure formation, and catalysis
  • Biomolecules are mainly composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.

Types of Biomolecules

  • Four major types of biomolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates

  • Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms in a 1:2:1 ratio
  • Classified into monosaccharides (simple sugars), disaccharides (two monosaccharides joined), and polysaccharides (many monosaccharides joined)
  • Functions:
    • Primary source of energy for cells
    • Structural components of plant cell walls (cellulose) and exoskeletons of some animals
    • Involved in cell recognition and signaling
  • Examples: Glucose, fructose, sucrose, starch, glycogen, cellulose

Lipids

  • Diverse group of hydrophobic (water-repelling) molecules
  • Primarily composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms
  • Functions:
    • Energy storage
    • Insulation
    • Structural components of cell membranes (phospholipids)
    • Signaling molecules (hormones)
  • Examples: Fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, steroids (e.g., cholesterol)

Proteins

  • Polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds
  • 20 different amino acids exist, each with a unique side chain
  • Structure: Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure
  • Functions:
    • Structural support (collagen)
    • Catalysts (enzymes)
    • Transport (hemoglobin)
    • Defense (antibodies)
    • Regulation (hormones)
    • Movement (actin and myosin)

Nucleic Acids

  • Polymers of nucleotides
  • Two main types: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid)
  • DNA: Stores genetic information
  • RNA: Involved in protein synthesis
  • Structure: DNA is a double helix; RNA is single-stranded
  • Components: Nitrogenous bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine in DNA; uracil in RNA), sugar (deoxyribose in DNA; ribose in RNA), and phosphate groups

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Explore the fundamental biomolecules essential for life, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. This quiz covers their structures, functions, and significance in biological processes. Test your knowledge about how these organic compounds contribute to the vitality of living organisms.

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