Biological molecules Flashcards
What are carbohydrates?
Carbs are long chains of simple sugars ; includes starches
Their molecules contain three kinds of atom- Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H) and Oxygen (O)
What are the functions of Carbs?
Carbs are needed for energy. The energy is released by respiration. The carbohydrate used for respiration is glucose.
What are fats?
Fats(lipids), like carbs contain (C), (H) and (O). Its made up of 4 smaller molecules joined together. One of these is glycerol. The three others are fatty acids. (They are called triglycerides)
What are the function of fat/lipids?
Also can be used to release energy (if carbohydrates have been used already)
It can be used for insulation( to store energy)
(The stored energy layer is called adipose and helps insulate the body, keeps heat in the body)
What are proteins?
The are long chains made of amino acids.
What is the test for glucose (reducing sugar)?
Benedicts test
Drop benedicts solution first, then warm in water bath in 3 minutes at 80 degrees
What are some of the test for starch?
Ethanol emulsion test and iodine test
What is the test for protein?
Biurets test
What is DNA?
- DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the molecule that contains the instructions for growth and development of all organisms
- It consists of two strands of DNA wound around each other in what is called a double helix
What are the individual units of DNA called?
Nucleotides
Why is water important as a solvent?
Water is important for all living organisms as many substances are able to dissolve in it (it is a solvent)
What is waters role with organisms?
Water is important as a solvent in the following situations within organisms:
- Dissolved substances can be easily transported around organisms – eg xylem and phloem of plants and dissolved food molecules in the blood.
- Digested food molecules are in the alimentary canal but need to be moved to cells all over the body – without water as a solvent this would not be able to happen.
- Toxic substances such as urea and substances in excess of requirements such as salts can dissolve in water which makes them easy to remove from the body in urine.
- Water is also an important part of the cytoplasm and plays a role in ensuring metabolic reactions can happen as necessary in cells.
What smaller molecules are starch and glycogen made of?
Glucose
What smaller molecule is cellulose made of?
Glucose
What smaller molecules are oils and fats made of?
Fatty acids and glycerol
