Biol 111 Chapter 3

Questions and Answers

What process describes the combination of monomers to form polymers while releasing water?

Osmosis

Hydrolysis

Dehydration synthesis (correct)

Carbon fixation

Which of the following is NOT considered a major class of biological macromolecules?

Carbohydrates

Minerals (correct)

Proteins

Nucleic acids

In a dehydration synthesis reaction, which components of the monomers are involved in forming a water molecule?

Oxygen and nitrogen

Hydrogen and hydroxyl group (correct)

Carbon and oxygen

Nitrogen and hydrogen

What is the primary function of biological macromolecules within a cell?

To perform various cellular functions Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about biological macromolecules is accurate?

They are built from smaller units called monomers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements correctly describes macromolecule diversity?

One type of monomer can form several different polymers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of covalent bonds in the formation of macromolecules?

They link monomers to form polymers. Signup and view all the answers

Which elements are predominantly found in biological macromolecules?

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen Signup and view all the answers

What structural feature of cellulose contributes to its rigidity and high tensile strength?

The linear, unbranched chains of glucose monomers Signup and view all the answers

Which organisms are capable of digesting cellulose due to specific adaptations?

Herbivores such as cows and koalas Signup and view all the answers

What type of enzyme is involved in breaking down cellulose into glucose monomers?

Cellulase Signup and view all the answers

What is the main structural component of arthropod exoskeletons?

Chitin Signup and view all the answers

Which nitrogen-containing polysaccharide is a major component of fungal cell walls?

Chitin Signup and view all the answers

Which group of organisms is primarily responsible for breaking down cellulose in the digestive systems of ruminants?

Bacteria and protists Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the cis configuration of a hydrocarbon chain?

Hydrogens are on the same side of the chain. Signup and view all the answers

How is the orientation of glucose monomers in cellulose described?

Every other glucose monomer is flipped Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the conversion from cis to trans configuration have on the hydrocarbon chain?

All of the above. Signup and view all the answers

What is the kingdom classification of fungi?

Fungi Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes trans fats?

They are created through the hydrogenation process. Signup and view all the answers

One potential health risk associated with increased trans fats in the diet is:

Increased levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following fatty acids is categorized as an essential fatty acid for humans?

Omega-3 fatty acid. Signup and view all the answers

What defines omega-3 fatty acids in terms of their hydrocarbon structure?

A double bond connects the third carbon from the end of the chain. Signup and view all the answers

In which food products might trans fats commonly be found?

Margarine and shortening. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of trans fats being present in the diet for cardiovascular health?

They increase heart disease risk. Signup and view all the answers

What type of amino acids would predominantly be found in a protein embedded in a lipid bilayer?

Hydrophobic amino acids Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following amino acids is considered essential for humans?

Valine Signup and view all the answers

What type of reaction forms a peptide bond between amino acids?

Dehydration synthesis reaction Signup and view all the answers

Which amino acid has a ring-like structure due to its unique side chain configuration?

Proline Signup and view all the answers

Which amino acids are classified as polar and hydrophilic?

Serine and Threonine Signup and view all the answers

What determines the shape, size, and function of a protein?

The sequence and number of amino acids Signup and view all the answers

What does the change of one amino acid in hemoglobin lead to?

Long fibers that distort red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

Which amino acids are considered basic due to their positively charged side chains?

Lysine and Arginine Signup and view all the answers

What health problems can arise from the sickle shape of red blood cells?

Dizziness and abdominal pain Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an essential amino acid for humans?

Alanine Signup and view all the answers

What are the most common types of secondary structures in proteins?

α-helix and β-pleated sheet Signup and view all the answers

What stabilizes the secondary structure of proteins like α-helix and β-pleated sheet?

Hydrogen bonds Signup and view all the answers

In an α-helix structure, how many amino acid residues are present per helical turn?

3.6 residues Signup and view all the answers

How do the R groups behave in an α-helix structure?

They protrude out from the helix chain Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the formation of pleats in the β-pleated sheet structure?

Hydrogen bonding between carbonyl and amino groups Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the shape of red blood cells in individuals with sickle cell disease?

They take on a crescent or sickle shape Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Synthesis of Biological Macromolecules

Biological macromolecules are essential large molecules composed of smaller organic subunits, with four major classes: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
These macromolecules are primarily organic and consist of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and minor elements.
Dehydration synthesis (or condensation) reactions involve the combination of monomers to form polymers, releasing water as a byproduct.
In dehydration synthesis, a hydrogen atom from one monomer and a hydroxyl group from another combine to release water and form covalent bonds.

Structural Characteristics of Carbohydrates

Cellulose consists of glucose monomers linked by β 1-4 glycosidic linkages, resulting in unbranched chains that provide rigidity and high tensile strength in plant cells.
Human digestive enzymes cannot break down cellulose, but herbivores can due to specialized flora in their stomachs that secrete the enzyme cellulase, aiding in cellulose digestion.
Chitin, a polysaccharide containing nitrogen, forms the exoskeleton of arthropods and is also found in fungal cell walls.

Lipid Types and Health Implications

Trans fats, created by the artificial hydrogenation of oils, can elevate low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 must be ingested through diet as the body cannot synthesize them, playing a crucial role in human health.

Amino Acids and Proteins

Amino acids are categorized based on the nature of their side chains (R groups) into nonpolar (hydrophobic) and polar (hydrophilic) groups, with some being positively charged (basic).
Essential amino acids like isoleucine, leucine, and cysteine cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through diet.
Peptide bonds form through dehydration synthesis between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another, releasing water.

Protein Structure and Function

The sequence and number of amino acids in a protein determine its unique shape, size, and function.
Secondary structures of proteins include α-helices and β-pleated sheets, stabilized by hydrogen bonds between amino acids in the backbone.
Every helical turn in an α-helix consists of 3.6 amino acid residues, with the R groups extending outward from the helix, while the β-pleated sheet structure is formed by hydrogen bonding between different parts of the polypeptide chain.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential concepts of biological macromolecules, including their synthesis and structural characteristics. Key macromolecule classes like carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids are explored, along with the process of dehydration synthesis. Test your understanding of these fundamental biological processes.