Structure and Function of Macromolecules

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Questions and Answers

What are macromolecules?

Vitamins and minerals

Large organic molecules used by the body for everyday functions (correct)

Simple sugars

Hormones

What are carbohydrates composed of?

Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen

What is the monomer of carbohydrates?

Monosaccharide

What is the polymer of carbohydrates?

Polysaccharide Signup and view all the answers

What are the main functions of proteins?

Transfer substances, speed up reactions, provide support to muscles and bones, create hormones Signup and view all the answers

What is the monomer of proteins?

Amino Acids Signup and view all the answers

What is the polymer of proteins?

Protein Signup and view all the answers

What are lipids used for?

Storing energy, insulating heat, protecting internal organs Signup and view all the answers

What is the monomer of lipids?

Fatty acid Signup and view all the answers

What is the polymer of lipids?

Triglycerides Signup and view all the answers

What are nucleic acids made of?

Nitrogen and phosphorus Signup and view all the answers

What is the monomer of nucleic acids?

Nucleotide Signup and view all the answers

What foods are good sources of protein?

Meats, eggs, nuts, fish, beans, and milk Signup and view all the answers

What foods contain carbohydrates?

Potatoes, bread, pasta, fruits, and anything sweet Signup and view all the answers

What foods contain lipids?

Dairy products, oils, butter, and meat Signup and view all the answers

What foods contain nucleic acids?

Fish flesh Signup and view all the answers

What does the chemical structure of a carbohydrate look like?

A sideways hexagon Signup and view all the answers

What does the chemical structure of a lipid look like?

A backwards upper case 'E' Signup and view all the answers

What does the chemical structure of protein look like?

A plus sign or tightly bonded ribbons Signup and view all the answers

What does the chemical structure of DNA look like?

A spiraled ladder Signup and view all the answers

What does the chemical structure of RNA look like?

A half spiraled ladder Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Macromolecules Overview

Macromolecules are essential biological molecules: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, vital for body functions and overall health.

Carbohydrates

Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
Primary function: provide energy for bodily activities.
Common food sources: bread, pasta, sweets.
Monomer: monosaccharide; polymer: polysaccharide.

Proteins

Made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur.
Functions: transport substances, catalyze reactions (enzymes), provide structural support, and produce hormones.
Monomers: amino acids; polymer: proteins.

Lipids

Include carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
Monomer: fatty acid; polymer: triglycerides.
Functions: energy storage, insulation, water resistance, and organ protection.

Nucleic Acids

Composed of nitrogen and phosphorus.
Types: DNA and RNA, responsible for storing genetic information.
Polymer: nucleotide; monomers include ribose (in RNA) and deoxyribose (in DNA).

Monomers and Polymers

Monomers are the fundamental building blocks of polymers.
Polymers are large organic molecules formed from monomers.

Specific Terms

Monosaccharide: the simplest carbohydrate monomer.
Polysaccharide: complex carbohydrate polymer.
Amino Acids: monomers that compose proteins.

Enzymes

Enzymes are proteins that accelerate chemical reactions within the body.

Chemical Structures

Carbohydrates: structural representation resembles a sideways hexagon.
Lipids: visually resemble a backward uppercase "E."
Proteins: simple representation appears as a plus sign; complex forms look like intertwined ribbons.
DNA: spiraled ladder-like structure; composition varies by color-coded monomers.
RNA: half spiraled ladder structure.

Food Sources

Proteins: found in meats, eggs, nuts, fish, beans, and dairy products.
Carbohydrates: present in potatoes, bread, pasta, fruits, and sweets.
Lipids: sourced from dairy, oils, butter, fatty meats, and fast food.
Nucleic Acids: primarily found in fish.

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Description

Explore the essential roles macromolecules play in human health and energy. This quiz focuses on carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, providing insights into their functions and structures. Brush up on your knowledge of these vital biological components!