24 Questions
What is the monomer for carbohydrates?
Monosaccharides (sugar)
Which biomolecule forms polypeptides from amino acids?
Proteins
What is the nucleic acid that composes chromosomes?
DNA
Which term describes the building blocks of polymers?
Monomers
How does saturation affect lipid structure and function?
It impacts the degree of fluidity and flexibility
What is the primary difference between ribonucleotides and deoxyribonucleotides?
Ribonucleotides have ribose as their sugar, while deoxyribonucleotides have deoxyribose.
Which of the following statements about DNA base composition is true?
% of A’s and T’s are equal and % of C’s and G’s are equal
What type of linkage occurs between nucleotides during polymerization?
Phosphodiester linkage
What is the primary structural difference between RNA and DNA?
RNA contains ribose instead of deoxyribose
What is the primary function of ribozymes?
Catalyzing reactions like proteins
What determines the acidic or basic nature of proteins?
Amino acid side chains
What type of bonds are responsible for forming the secondary protein structure?
Hydrogen bonds
What contributes to the distinctive three-dimensional shape of polypeptides in tertiary protein structure?
Interactions between R groups (side chains)
What happens to proteins when they are denatured?
They are unable to function normally
What is the main function of enzymes as proteins?
Act as catalysts
What is the molecular formula for carbohydrates?
(CH2O)n
What do plants store sugars as?
Starch
What are the components of an amino acid?
Carbon, hydrogen, amino group, carboxyl group, and R group
What type of R-groups do polar and charged amino acids have?
Hydrophilic
What is the primary role of triglycerides in cells?
Acting as a long-term energy storage
How does the saturation of lipids affect their physical state?
Double bonds in lipids make them healthier and create kinks in tails causing bending
What is the primary role of phospholipids in cells?
Playing a primary role in forming cell membranes
What influences the permeability of a phospholipid bilayer?
The degree of saturation and length of the hydrocarbon tails, as well as the presence of cholesterol
What is the basis for cholesterol and hormones such as estrogen and testosterone?
Steroids
Study Notes
Functional Examples of Biomolecules in Cells: Lipids
- Lipids are carbon-containing compounds that are insoluble in water due to a high proportion of nonpolar and C-H bonds, making them hydrophobic.
- They are an integral part of cellular membranes and play various roles in cells, such as storing long-term energy, acting as pigments to respond to sunlight, and forming waterproof coverings.
- There are four major types of lipids: triglycerides, steroids, phospholipids, and waxes, each with distinct properties and functions.
- Triglycerides, composed of glycerol and fatty acid tails, primarily serve as energy storage due to the large number of high-energy bonds in the fatty acid chains.
- The saturation of lipids affects their physical state, with double bonds in lipids making them healthier and more unsaturated lipids being liquid at room temperature.
- Steroids, characterized by a bulky four-ring structure, form the basis for cholesterol and hormones such as estrogen and testosterone.
- The fluidity of lipids is influenced by the saturation and length of the fatty acid tails, with unsaturated lipids being more permeable and saturated lipids being less permeable.
- Phospholipids, which are amphipathic, play a primary role in forming cell membranes and have hydrophilic "head" regions and hydrophobic "tail" regions.
- Phospholipid bilayers exhibit selective permeability, allowing small or nonpolar molecules to move across quickly, while charged or large polar substances cross slowly, if at all.
- The degree of saturation and length of the hydrocarbon tails, as well as the presence of cholesterol, can influence the permeability of a phospholipid bilayer.
- Lab-created membranes like liposomes and planar bilayers are used to study permeability and behavior of phospholipids in water.
- Overall, lipids have a wide array of functions and are essential components of cells, with diverse roles in energy storage, signaling, and membrane structure.
Test your knowledge of the functional examples of lipids in cells with this quiz. Explore the roles of triglycerides, steroids, phospholipids, and waxes, and their impact on energy storage, membrane structure, and permeability. Understand the properties and functions of these essential biomolecules in cellular processes.
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