Bio- C5 Flashcards
The most important large molecules found in all living things—from bacteria to elephants—can be sorted into just four main classes: ____, ____, ____, and ____.
P115
carbohydrates
lipids
proteins
nucleic acids
Large carbohydrates (polysaccharides), proteins, and nucleic acids are ____, which are chains of ____.
P139
polymers
monomers
Monomers form larger molecules by ____ reactions, in which ____
molecules are released. Polymers can disassemble by the reverse process, which is called ____
P139
dehydration
water
hydrolysis
Carbohydrates serve as
____ and ____ material
P139
fuel
building
Monosaccharides such as ____,
____ and Disaccharides such as ____, ____ serve as ____.
Polysaccharides such as
Cellulose (plants) which does ____,
Starch (plants) which does ____,
Glycogen (animals) which does ____,
Chitin (animals and fungi) which does ____
P139
glucose
fructose
lactose
sucrose
fuel
Strengthens plant cell walls
Stores glucose for energy
Stores glucose for energy
Strengthens exoskeletons and
fungal cell walls
What role do starch and cellulose play in the
human body?
P139
Starch: Energy storage in plants, major carbohydrate source in human diet.
Cellulose: Structural component of plant cell walls, dietary fiber in humans.
Why are lipids not considered to be
polymers or macromolecules?
P139
Lack of Monomers: Lipids do not consist of repeating monomeric units.
Structural Diversity: The wide range of structures among lipids does not fit the polymer model.
Size and Complexity: Lipids generally do not achieve the size and complexity typical of macromolecules.
Bonding: The bonds in lipids are not repetitive in the same way as in polymers
Triacylglycerols (fats or oils):
glycerol + three fatty acids function as ____
Phospholipids: glycerol +
phosphate group + two fatty
acids function as ____
Steroids: four fused rings with
attached chemical groups function as ____
P139
Important energy source
Lipid bilayers of membranes
Component of cell membranes
(cholesterol)
Signaling molecules that travel
through the body (hormones)
Proteins include a diversity of structures, resulting in a wide range of functions. True/False
P139
True
Enzymes do ____
Defensive proteins do ____
Storage proteins do ____
Transport proteins do ____
Hormones do ____
Receptor proteins do ____
Motor proteins do ____
Structural proteins do ____
P139
Catalyze chemical reactions
Protect against disease
Storage proteins
Transport substances
Coordinate organismal responses
Receive signals from outside cell
Function in cell movement
Provide structural support
What do Nucleic acids do?
P139
Nucleic acids store, transmit,
and help express hereditary
information
What role does complementary base pairing play in the function of nucleic acids?
P139
Complementary base pairing is the mechanism by which nucleotide bases form pairs (A-T and C-G in DNA, A-U and C-G in RNA) through hydrogen bonding. This specific pairing is fundamental for the accurate replication, transcription, and translation of genetic information, as well as for maintaining the stability and integrity of genetic material.
What is DNA made of?
P139
Sugar = deoxyribose
Nitrogenous bases = C, G, A, T
Usually double-stranded
What is RNA made of? and what does it do?
P139
Sugar = ribose
Nitrogenous bases = C, G, A, U
Usually single-stranded
Various functions in gene expression, including carrying instructions from DNA to ribosomes
Ribosomes are essential cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis. Composed of rRNA (rRNA is a key component of ribosomes, providing both structural support and functional activity to ensure proteins are synthesized accurately and efficiently.) and proteins, they exist as two subunits that come together during translation. Ribosomes decode the genetic instructions in mRNA to build polypeptide chains, ultimately folding into functional proteins. Their presence and function are critical for the maintenance and reproduction of all living cells.
