Questions and Answers
What are the four types of macromolecules?
What is the most common atom in macromolecules?
carbon
Carbohydrates include molecules made of ______.
sugars
Lipids are primarily polar molecules.
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What is the main function of carbohydrates like glucose and glycogen?
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What structures do lipids like phospholipids form?
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Cellulose provides ______ support to plants.
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Study Notes
Cells and Macromolecules
- The body consists of trillions of cells which perform essential life functions.
- Cells are primarily made of four types of macromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
- Macromolecules are composed of smaller subunits, which are further made up of individual atoms.
- Carbon is the most prevalent atom in all macromolecules, forming the backbone of these complex molecules.
Carbohydrates
- Composed of sugars and found in foods like bread, fruits, and vegetables.
- Made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, usually in ring structures (e.g., glucose).
- Simple sugars can link to form larger molecules like starch.
- Three primary functions:
- Provide energy through glucose, lactose, starch, and glycogen for cellular respiration, generating ATP.
- Offer structural support through cellulose (in plant cell walls) and chitin (in fungi and exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects).
- Act as identification markers through short carbohydrate chains on cell membranes, essential for immune response.
Lipids
- A diverse group with a primary nonpolar characteristic, which repels water.
- Composed mainly of carbon and hydrogen, may also contain oxygen and phosphorus.
- Phospholipids are crucial for cell membrane structure, forming a bilayer that controls substance movement in and out of the cell.
- Store energy via long carbon chain bonds (fatty acids) found in fats and oils.
- Function as barriers for water movement and provide insulation, while some, like steroids, also serve this role.
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Description
This quiz explores the importance of a balanced diet for cellular health. Discover why cells require more than just simple sugars and the four types of macromolecules essential for their functioning. Test your knowledge on how nutrition impacts the microscopic world of cells.
