1.2 Biologically Important Molecules (CQ - Exam)

Question 1

Explain how the following terms are related: macromolecule, polymer, monomer.

Answer 1

• Macromolecules are usually made up of monomers
• Monomers are the single subunits, “building blocks.”
• When monomers develop covalent bonds with each other, then it is a large molecule called polymers.

Question 2

Identify at least three structural and functional characteristics of carbohydrates.

Answer 2

• Structural characteristics of a carbohydrates are carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
• Provide energy, regulates blood glucose, and insulin metabolism

Question 3

In what ways are lipids similar to and different from carbohydrates?

Answer 3

• Both organic molecules found in organisms
• Carbohydrates are water soluble
• Lipids are not water soluble

Question 4

Explain why lipids are efficient energy-storage molecules.

Answer 4

because of the high amount of C-H bonds, high energy with relatively small space

Question 5

Explain why proteins are more structurally and functionally diverse than carbohydrates and lipids.

Answer 5

Proteins are polymers of amino acids and there are over 20 types of amino acids. Making them more structurally and functionally diverse than carbohydrates and lipids.

Question 6

Explain what a dehydration synthesis reaction is.

Answer 6

Joining 2 molecules by removing water