Macromolecules and Their Functions

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Questions and Answers

What are the four major macromolecules?

Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids (correct)

Proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and nucleic acids

Nucleic acids, vitamins, proteins, and glucose

Lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals

What is dehydration synthesis?

A type of reaction that allows for the bonding of nucleotides

The process of breaking down a polymer into monomers using water

The formation of a polymer by removing water from monomers (correct)

A reaction that produces energy in the form of heat

What are the main types of monomers for carbohydrates?

Nucleotides and monosaccharides

Amino acids and fatty acids

Fatty acids and glycerol

Monosaccharides like glucose and fructose (correct)

Which statement correctly describes the structure of triglycerides?

They are composed of one glycerol molecule and three fatty acids Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of cholesterol in the body?

To build cell membranes and produce important molecules Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following carbohydrates provides structural support in plant cell walls?

Cellulose Signup and view all the answers

What are lipids primarily characterized by?

Solubility in organic solvents and hydrophobic properties Signup and view all the answers

What elements are commonly found in lipids?

Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What are amino acids primarily known for?

Building blocks of proteins Signup and view all the answers

What type of bonds link amino acids in a polypeptide?

Peptide bonds Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of DNA within a cell?

Storing and carrying genetic information Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the enzyme-substrate interaction hypothesis where the enzyme changes shape to fit the substrate?

Induced-fit model Signup and view all the answers

What structure does RNA typically possess?

Single-stranded with ribose sugars Signup and view all the answers

Which organelle is responsible for protein synthesis in all types of cells?

Ribosomes Signup and view all the answers

What happens to an enzyme when it becomes denatured?

Its structure is altered and can no longer function properly Signup and view all the answers

Who among the following is NOT recognized as a contributor to the cell theory?

Charles Darwin Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of lysosomes in a cell?

Breaking down waste materials and cellular debris Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of DNA described as?

A double helix resembling a twisted ladder Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Macromolecules

Four major macromolecules: proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids
Organic molecules are typically composed of carbon atoms with other atoms (like hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen) attached.
Monomers are small molecules that bond to form larger polymers.

Monomers

Four main types of monomers: sugars, amino acids, fatty acids, and nucleotides.

Polymers

Polymers are large molecules formed by the chemical bonding of monomers.

Dehydration Synthesis & Hydrolysis

Dehydration synthesis joins molecules by removing water.
Hydrolysis breaks molecules apart using water.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are organic compounds (like sugars and starches)
Elements: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (CHO)
Function: energy storage
Monomers: monosaccharides (e.g., glucose, fructose)
Polymers: starch, glycogen, cellulose, and chitin
Functions of carbohydrate polymers:
- Starch: energy storage in plants
- Glycogen: energy storage in animals
- Cellulose: structural support in plant cell walls
- Chitin: structural support in arthropod exoskeletons and fungal cell walls

Lipids

Lipids are fatty, waxy, or oily compounds soluble in organic solvents but insoluble in water.
Elements: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (CHO)
Monomers: glycerol and fatty acids
Structures:
- Triglycerides: glycerol + 3 fatty acids, store energy.
- Phospholipids: glycerol + 2 fatty acids + phosphate group, cell membrane barrier.
- Cholesterol: four connected carbon rings, short tail, and hydroxyl group, cell membrane component, hormone precursor.

Proteins

Monomers: amino acids
Amino acids are organic molecules building blocks of proteins.
Polymers: polypeptides, long chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
Functions: structural support, regulate gene expression, transport molecules (e.g., oxygen), and defend against disease (e.g., antibodies).
Enzyme structure: specific three-dimensional shapes.
- Enzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions.
- Denatured enzyme: loses its structure and function due to heat or chemicals.
- Lock and Key v. Induced Fit: models describing enzyme-substrate interaction; Lock and Key is strict fit, Induced Fit is flexible fit.
- Enzyme-substrate complex: temporary combination of enzyme and substrate during a reaction.

Nucleic Acids

Monomers: nitrogen-containing base, sugar (ribose or deoxyribose), and phosphate group.
DNA: carries genetic information, double helix structure (adenine pairs with thymine, guanine pairs with cytosine).
RNA: carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes, single-stranded structure, (adenine pairs with uracil).

Cell Theory

All living things are composed of one or more cells.
The cell is the basic unit of structure and function in living things.
All cells come from pre-existing cells.
Contributors: Robert Hooke, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, Matthias Schleiden, Theodor Schwann, Rudolf Virchow.
Organelles found in all cells: Ribosomes (protein synthesis).

Cell Organelles (Specific to cell types)

Bacteria: plasmids
Animal: lysosomes
Plant: chloroplasts, large central vacuoles

Further Organelle functions (missing from the original text)

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): involved in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism.
Golgi Apparatus: modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.
Nucleus: controls cell activities, contains DNA.
Lysosomes: break down waste materials using enzymes.
Ribosomes (function): synthesize proteins.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of macromolecules including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Learn about the roles of monomers and polymers, and the processes of dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis. This quiz covers the essential components of organic molecules and their functions in biology.