Macromolecules Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of lipids?

Energy storage (correct)

Instant energy source

Structural support

Cell signaling

Lipids are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen.

False

What is the monomer of lipids?

fatty acids

Phospholipids have a hydrophilic and a hydrophobic .

head, tail Signup and view all the answers

Match the following proteins with their functions:

Enzymes = Control biochemical reactions Hormones = Regulate cell processes Hemoglobin = Transport substances Antibodies = Fight diseases Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of nucleic acids?

Informational molecules that store and transmit genetic information Signup and view all the answers

Proteins are usually the first source of energy for the body.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the monomers of nucleic acids?

Nucleotides Signup and view all the answers

The building blocks of proteins are called __________.

amino acids Signup and view all the answers

Which structure level of proteins involves the sequence of amino acids?

Primary structure Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of proteins with their characteristics:

Enzymes = Catalysts that speed up chemical reactions Antibodies = Proteins that help fight infections Transport proteins = Carry substances throughout the body Structural proteins = Provide support and shape to cells and tissues Signup and view all the answers

Proteins contain the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the polymer form of nucleic acids?

DNA or RNA Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of carbohydrates?

Short-term energy storage Signup and view all the answers

Polymers are made up of monomers.

True Signup and view all the answers

What reaction occurs when monomers are linked to form a polymer?

Dehydration reaction Signup and view all the answers

The main fuel for cells is __________.

glucose Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of carbohydrates with their examples:

Monosaccharides = Glucose Disaccharides = Sucrose Polysaccharides = Starch Cellulosic substances = Cellulose Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a polysaccharide?

Glycogen Signup and view all the answers

Hydrolysis is the process that builds polymers from monomers.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of carbohydrates?

C, H, O Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Macromolecules

Macromolecules are large organic molecules containing carbon, that make up all living things
They include: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids
Essential for life, as they run bodily functions, provide energy, and hold the instructions for bodily functions
Everything learned in the rest of the semester relates back to macromolecules.
Structurally, most macromolecules are polymers made of monomers

Structure Overview

Monomers are small, basic sub-units (like a brick or a word)
Polymers are larger, more complex structures made of monomers (like a brick wall or a sentence)

Making Polymers

Dehydration reaction links monomers together to build a polymer.
The reaction removes a water molecule.
Example: When the body has excess glucose, it combines glucose molecules to build glycogen for storage

Breaking Polymers

Hydrolysis breaks down polymers into individual monomers
Water is added, breaking the bonds between monomers
Example: In digestion, enzymes break down complex starches into simpler sugars

Carbohydrates

Main Function: Short-term energy storage
Other Uses: Structure, transport, signaling
Found In: Sugars and starches (e.g., glucose, fructose, sucrose, starches)
Composition: C, H, O
Monomer: Monosaccharides (single sugars)
- Examples: Glucose, galactose, fructose
Polymer: Polysaccharides (larger sugar molecules)
- Examples: Starch, glycogen, cellulose
Energy Storage: 4 calories/gram

Lipids

Main Function: Long-term energy storage
Other Uses: Insulation, protection, structure (e.g., cell membranes)
Found In: Fats, oils, phospholipids, steroids
Composition: C, H, O
Monomer: Fatty acids
Polymer: Triglycerides
Energy Storage: 9 calories/gram

Phospholipids

A special type of lipid
Structure: 2 fatty acids + 1 phosphate group
Hydrophilic (water-loving) head (phosphate group)
Hydrophobic (water-hating) tails (fatty acids)
Phospholipid Bilayer: Forms the plasma membrane of cells
- Makes the membrane selectively permeable

Proteins

Main Function: Very diverse roles, runs the body (e.g., enzymes, hormones, structure, transport, movement, immune response, receptors, energy source)
Found in: Meats, nuts, dairy; also made by the body
Composition: C, H, O, N, P, S
Monomer: Amino acids
Polymer: Polypeptide (amino acids linked by peptide bonds)
Energy Storage: 4 calories/gram
- Proteins are often a last resort for energy.

Proteins (Folding)

The protein's form dictates its function (e.g., enzymes)
The shape of the protein determines what it does
Proteins involve primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.

Nucleic Acids

Main Function: Store, transmit, and express genetic information (instructions for making proteins)
Found in: DNA and RNA
Composition: C, H, O, N, P
Monomer: Nucleotides (e.g., adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, uracil)
Polymer: Nucleic acid (DNA or RNA)
Nucleic acids contain the instructions for making proteins
Energy Storage: 0 calories/gram. They are not broken down for energy.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential concepts of macromolecules, including their structure, types, and functions in living organisms. Learn about the roles of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, as well as the processes of polymer formation and breakdown. You'll gain a foundational understanding of how these large organic molecules contribute to life.