Overview of Biomolecules Quiz

Study Notes

Overview of Biomolecules

Biomolecules are organic molecules that are essential for life.
They are primarily classified into four major categories: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

1. Carbohydrates

Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (C, H, O).
Function as energy sources and structural components.
Types:
- Monosaccharides: Simple sugars (e.g., glucose, fructose).
- Disaccharides: Formed by two monosaccharides (e.g., sucrose, lactose).
- Polysaccharides: Long chains of monosaccharides (e.g., starch, glycogen, cellulose).

2. Lipids

Composed mainly of carbon and hydrogen.
Hydrophobic and insoluble in water.
Functions include energy storage, membrane structure, and signaling.
Types:
- Fats and oils: triglycerides (glycerol + fatty acids).
- Phospholipids: component of cell membranes (hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails).
- Steroids: signaling molecules (e.g., cholesterol, hormones).

3. Proteins

Composed of amino acids linked by peptide bonds; contain C, H, O, nitrogen (N).
Serve diverse functions such as catalysts (enzymes), structural support, transport, and signaling.
Structure levels:
- Primary: Amino acid sequence.
- Secondary: Alpha helices and beta sheets.
- Tertiary: 3D folding.
- Quaternary: Assembly of multiple polypeptides.

4. Nucleic Acids

Composed of nucleotides (phosphate group, sugar, nitrogenous base).
Function in genetic information storage and transmission.
Types:
- DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid): Double-helix structure; stores genetic information.
- RNA (Ribonucleic Acid): Single-stranded; involved in protein synthesis and gene regulation.

Key Concepts

Macromolecules: Large biomolecules formed from smaller units (e.g., polysaccharides from monosaccharides).
Enzymes: Proteins that act as biological catalysts to speed up chemical reactions.
Hydrophilic vs. Hydrophobic: Hydrophilic molecules interact with water while hydrophobic molecules do not.
Metabolism: The total of all chemical reactions in an organism, often involving biomolecules.

Functions in Living Organisms

Energy Storage and Supply: Carbohydrates and lipids provide energy.
Structural Component: Proteins and carbohydrates play a role in cellular structure.
Genetic Information: Nucleic acids store and transmit genetic information for inheritance and function.
Catalysis: Enzymes reduce activation energy, facilitating metabolic reactions.

Biomolecules Overview

Essential organic molecules for life
Four primary categories: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids

Carbohydrates

Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
Function as energy sources and structural components
Monosaccharides: simple sugars (e.g., glucose, fructose)
Disaccharides: two monosaccharides joined (e.g., sucrose, lactose)
Polysaccharides: long chains of monosaccharides (e.g., starch, glycogen, cellulose)

Lipids

Primarily carbon and hydrogen
Hydrophobic and insoluble in water
Functions include energy storage, membrane structure, and signaling
Fats and oils: triglycerides (glycerol + fatty acids)
Phospholipids: components of cell membranes (hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails)
Steroids: signaling molecules (e.g., cholesterol, hormones)

Proteins

Composed of amino acids linked by peptide bonds; contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen
Diverse functions: catalysts (enzymes), structural support, transport, and signaling
Structure levels:
- Primary: amino acid sequence
- Secondary: alpha helices and beta sheets
- Tertiary: 3D folding
- Quaternary: assembly of multiple polypeptides

Nucleic Acids

Composed of nucleotides (phosphate group, sugar, nitrogenous base)
Function: genetic information storage and transmission
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): double-helix structure, stores genetic information
RNA (ribonucleic acid): single-stranded, involved in protein synthesis and gene regulation

Key Concepts

Macromolecules: large biomolecules formed from smaller units (e.g., polysaccharides from monosaccharides)
Enzymes: proteins that act as biological catalysts to speed up chemical reactions
Hydrophilic: molecules interact with water
Hydrophobic: molecules do not interact with water
Metabolism: all chemical reactions in an organism, often involving biomolecules

Functions in Living Organisms

Energy storage and supply: carbohydrates and lipids
Structural components: proteins and carbohydrates
Genetic information: nucleic acids
Catalysis: enzymes facilitate metabolic reactions

Description

Test your knowledge on the essential biomolecules that sustain life. This quiz covers carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, exploring their structures and functions. Challenge yourself to identify their types and roles in biological systems.