Macromolecules Quiz: Carbohydrates & Proteins

Macromolecules

Carbohydrates

• Definition: Organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (usually in a 1:2:1 ratio).
• Types:
  • Monosaccharides: Simple sugars (e.g., glucose, fructose).
  • Disaccharides: Two monosaccharides linked (e.g., sucrose, lactose).
  • Polysaccharides: Long chains of monosaccharides (e.g., starch, glycogen, cellulose).
• Functions:
  • Primary source of energy.
  • Structural components in plants (cellulose) and fungi (chitin).

Proteins

• Definition: Large, complex molecules made up of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
• Structure Levels:
  • Primary: Amino acid sequence.
  • Secondary: Folding into alpha helices and beta sheets.
  • Tertiary: Three-dimensional shape due to interactions between R groups.
  • Quaternary: Assembly of multiple polypeptides.
• Functions:
  • Catalysts (enzymes).
  • Structural support (collagen).
  • Transport (hemoglobin).
  • Immune response (antibodies).

Nucleic Acids

• Definition: Macromolecules that store and transmit genetic information.
• Types:
  • DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid): Double helix structure, carries genetic information.
  • RNA (Ribonucleic Acid): Single-stranded, involved in protein synthesis.
• Components:
  • Nucleotides (sugar, phosphate group, nitrogenous base).
• Functions:
  • Genetic information storage (DNA).
  • Protein synthesis and regulation (RNA).

Lipids

• Definition: Diverse group of hydrophobic molecules primarily made of carbon and hydrogen.
• Types:
  • Fats and Oils: Triglycerides (glycerol + 3 fatty acids).
  • Phospholipids: Major component of cell membranes (glycerol + 2 fatty acids + phosphate group).
  • Steroids: Four fused carbon rings (e.g., cholesterol).
• Functions:
  • Energy storage.
  • Structural components of cell membranes.
  • Signaling molecules (hormones).

Biological Functions of Macromolecules

• Energy Storage and Supply: Carbohydrates and lipids provide energy for cellular processes.
• Structural Support: Carbohydrates (cellulose in plants), proteins (collagen), and lipids (cell membranes) contribute to cell structure.
• Catalysis: Enzymes (proteins) act as catalysts to speed up biochemical reactions.
• Genetic Information Processing: Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are crucial for storing and transmitting genetic data.
• Cell Communication and Regulation: Proteins and lipids play key roles in signaling pathways and cellular communication.

Carbohydrates

• Organic compounds consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen typically in a 1:2:1 ratio.
• Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, including glucose and fructose.
• Disaccharides consist of two monosaccharides linked together, examples include sucrose and lactose.
• Polysaccharides are long chains of monosaccharides, with starch, glycogen, and cellulose being key examples.
• Serve as a primary energy source for living organisms.
• Provide structural support in plants through cellulose and in fungi through chitin.

Proteins

• Large, complex molecules formed by linking amino acids via peptide bonds.
• Primary structure refers to the specific amino acid sequence of a protein.
• Secondary structure includes the folding into structures like alpha helices and beta sheets.
• Tertiary structure is the overall three-dimensional shape caused by interactions between R groups of amino acids.
• Quaternary structure involves the aggregation of multiple polypeptide chains.
• Functions include catalysis through enzymes, providing structural support via collagen, aiding in transport as hemoglobin, and contributing to immune response through antibodies.

Nucleic Acids

• Macromolecules responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information.
• DNA has a double helix structure and encodes genetic information.
• RNA is typically single-stranded and plays a role in protein synthesis.
• Composed of nucleotides, which include a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
• Functions of DNA include genetic information storage, while RNA is involved in both protein synthesis and regulation.

Lipids

• A diverse group of hydrophobic molecules primarily made of carbon and hydrogen.
• Fats and oils are triglycerides, which consist of glycerol and three fatty acids.
• Phospholipids are essential components of cell membranes, made of glycerol, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group.
• Steroids, such as cholesterol, feature a structure of four fused carbon rings.
• Lipids serve multiple roles, including energy storage, structural components of cell membranes, and acting as signaling molecules (hormones).

Biological Functions of Macromolecules

• Carbohydrates and lipids are crucial for energy storage and supply in cellular processes.
• Structural support is provided by carbohydrates (cellulose in plants), proteins (collagen), and lipids (components of membranes).
• Enzymes, which are proteins, function as biological catalysts to accelerate biochemical reactions.
• Nucleic acids are vital for the processing of genetic information through storing and transmitting genetic data.
• Proteins and lipids are key players in cell communication and regulation, influencing signaling pathways and cellular interactions.

Test your knowledge on macromolecules focusing on carbohydrates and proteins. Explore their definitions, types, structures, and functions. This quiz is designed to help reinforce your understanding of these essential biological compounds.