Macromolecules Overview Quiz

Macromolecules Overview

• Monomers are the repeating units that serve as building blocks of macromolecules.
• Polymers are long molecules composed of many similar monomeric units.

Carbohydrates

• Monomer: Monosaccharides; Polymer: Polysaccharides.
• Function: Serve as key fuel sources and structural materials in organisms.
• Type of linkage: Glycosidic linkage.
• Soluble in water, categorized as hydrophilic.

Lipids

• Monomers: Fatty acids and Glycerol; polymers do not exist.
• Function: Provide strong energy storage.
• Type of linkage: Triacylglycerol or Triglyceride linkage.
• Insoluble in water, characterized as hydrophobic.

Proteins

• Monomer: Amino Acids; Polymer: Polypeptides.
• Function: Essential for tissue repair and building.
• Type of linkage: Peptide bonds.
• Structure determines functionality, ranging from primary to quaternary levels.

Nucleic Acids

• Monomer: Nucleotides; Polymers: DNA & RNA.
• Function: Store and express genetic information.
• Type of linkage: Phosphodiester linkage.
• Composed of three parts: nitrogenous base, pentose sugar, one or more phosphate groups.

Sugars in Nucleic Acids

• Deoxyribose: A single six-membered ring found in DNA.
• Ribose: A six-membered ring fused to a five-membered ring found in RNA.
• Nucleic acids have two primary functions: DNA stores genetic information while RNA helps in its expression.

Protein Structure

• Primary Structure: Sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain, determining properties and shape.
• Secondary Structure: Includes twisting of alpha helices and formation of beta sheets through hydrogen bonding.
• Tertiary Structure: Overall folding of the polypeptide due to side chain interactions of amino acids.
• Quaternary Structure: Combination of two or more polypeptide chains.

Types of Macromolecules

• Carbohydrates: Starch, Glycogen, Cellulose, and Glucose.
• Lipids: Cholesterol, Steroids, Saturated Fats, Unsaturated Fats, and Phospholipids.
• Proteins: Enzymes, Amino Acids, and Peptide Chains.
• Nucleic Acids: DNA, RNA, and ATP.

Key Functions

• Starch provides long-term energy storage for plants.
• Glycogen serves as a carbohydrate energy storage in animals.
• Structural support in plants is provided by Cellulose.
• Phospholipids form cellular membranes.
• Enzymes speed up chemical reactions by lowering activation energy.
• Steroids act as hormones, including sex hormones.

Additional Notes

• Many sugars are classified as polysaccharides.
• Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.

Test your knowledge on the four major macromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. This quiz covers their monomers, functions, and structures, helping you to understand their significance in biological systems. Prepare to explore the essential building blocks of life!