Biological Molecules: Questions and Answers PDF

What is the role of chaperonins in protein folding? Chaperonins assist in proper protein folding and can help refold misfolded proteins. What stabilizes the secondary structure of proteins? The secondary structure of proteins, such as alpha helices and beta sheets, is stabilized by hydrogen bonds be...

What is the role of chaperonins in protein folding? Chaperonins assist in proper protein folding and can help refold misfolded proteins. What stabilizes the secondary structure of proteins? The secondary structure of proteins, such as alpha helices and beta sheets, is stabilized by hydrogen bonds between the backbone atoms. What are the primary functions of DNA? The primary functions of DNA are information storage, replication, and transmission. Why are only L-amino acids used in proteins? Only L-amino acids are used in proteins across all life forms, suggesting a common evolutionary origin. What distinguishes RNA from DNA? RNA contains ribose sugar and uracil instead of thymine, and is primarily single-stranded. What is the function of tRNA in translation? tRNA carries specific amino acids to the ribosome and matches them to the codons in the mRNA. How do amino acids form peptide bonds? A peptide bond is formed between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another, releasing water. What is the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions? Enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction. How does protein synthesis occur? Protein synthesis occurs through transcription of DNA to mRNA and translation of mRNA to a polypeptide chain. Why is the study of protein structure important? Understanding protein structure is crucial for determining how proteins function and interact in biological systems. What are the two major traits of water that are critical for life? Water's traits include being a polar molecule capable of hydrogen bonding and acting as a universal solvent. What are the four levels of protein structure? The four levels of protein structure are primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary. What are the main types of RNA and their functions? The main types of RNA are mRNA (messenger RNA), tRNA (transfer RNA), and rRNA (ribosomal RNA), each serving roles in protein synthesis. What is the difference between mRNA and rRNA? mRNA carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes, while rRNA is a component of the ribosome itself, aiding in protein synthesis. What effect do R groups have on protein structure? R groups determine the properties of amino acids, influencing protein folding, stability, and function. What is the significance of complementary base pairing in DNA? Complementary base pairing ensures accurate replication and transcription of genetic information. What are purines and pyrimidines in nucleic acids? Purines (adenine and guanine) have a two-ring structure, while pyrimidines (cytosine, thymine, and uracil) have a single-ring structure. What is the relationship between amino acid sequence and protein function? The specific sequence of amino acids determines a protein's three-dimensional structure and, consequently, its function. What is the significance of hydrogen bonds in DNA structure? Hydrogen bonds between complementary bases stabilize the double helix structure of DNA. What is the primary structure of a protein? The primary structure of a protein is the linear sequence of amino acids in a peptide chain. What is protein denaturation? Protein denaturation is the process where proteins lose their structure and function due to extreme environmental conditions. What is the backbone structure of nucleic acids? The backbone of nucleic acids consists of alternating sugar and phosphate molecules linked by covalent bonds. How do enzymes reduce activation energy? Enzymes reduce activation energy by stabilizing the transition state and bringing reactants closer together. What happens to proteins when they are denatured? Denatured proteins lose their functional shape and may become inactive due to the disruption of their structure. What is the function of lysine in proteins? Lysine is a positively charged amino acid that can form additional peptide bonds and participate in various biochemical reactions. How does temperature affect protein structure? Temperature changes can disrupt hydrogen bonds and other interactions, leading to protein denaturation and loss of function. What is the role of ribosomes in protein synthesis? Ribosomes facilitate the translation of mRNA into a polypeptide chain during protein synthesis. What is the significance of optical isomers in amino acids? Optical isomers, or enantiomers, can have different biological activities, with L-amino acids being the only form used in proteins. What is the primary role of phospholipids in cell membranes? Phospholipids form a bilayer that serves as the fundamental structure of cell membranes, creating a barrier between the interior of the cell and its environment. What is the importance of phosphorylation in protein activity? Phosphorylation can modify protein structure and function, often regulating enzyme activity and signaling pathways. What are the characteristics of hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids? Hydrophobic amino acids repel water and tend to be buried in the protein core, while hydrophilic amino acids attract water and are often found on the protein surface. Organic molecules all contain which element? Hide answer choices phosphorus nitrogen oxygen Correct: carbon Correct answer hydrogen hich of these molecule types can form a cellular membrane? Hide answer choices fatty acid short chain fatty acid Correct: phosphlipid Correct answer glycerol triglyceride When writiong out chemical reactions, one must take care to: Hide answer choices balance all elements except hydrogen, which can be added as necessary to each side. balance the number of molecules on each side of the arrows. have no more than one plus sign (+) on either side of the arrows. balance both the atoms and electrons on each side of the arrows. Correct answer Which of the following IS NOT a function of carbohydrates? Hide answer choices source of energy for cell activities. source of carbon for chemical reactions. Correct: catalysis of chemical reactions of cell. Correct answer storage of energy for use at a later time. structural component of cells Pure water has all the following properties except: Hide answer choices Correct: ability to dissolve lipids. Correct answer existing in three different states (gas, liquid & solid) at temperatures normal to the surface of the planet. pH of 7.0 polarity ability to form hydrogen bonds The function of a buffer is to: Hide answer choices provide entergy for the synthesis of ATP. speed up chemical reactions in a cell interact with lipid molecules to form a cell membrane. bring the pH of a solution to neutral (7.0). Correct: stabilize the pH of a solution to a particular level. ​ The name "Carbohydrate" comes from the property that ​ Hide answer choices ​ when heated, the molecule breaks down into carbon and water. ​ Correct: the elemental formula of the molecule is (CH2O)n ​ Correct answer ​ the molecule is made by combining carbon and water. ​ the molecule forms structures that readily absorb water. ​ ​ ​ ​ A polar covalent bond results in slight positive and negative charges on different parts of the molecule, creating the potential for hydrogen bonding. ​ T ​ TrueCorrect answer ​ F ​ False ​ ​ ​ Which of the following elements is not commonly used by living cells? Hide answer choices Oxygen Hydrogen Nitrogen Correct: Helium Correct answer Carbon Atoms can be combined into new, distinct molecules by which of the following? Hide answer choices hydrogen bonding magnetic bonding nuclear bonding ionic bonding Correct: covalent bonding Correct answer