Biological Molecules Flashcards
What is general formula for carbohydrates?
(CH2O)n
What is function of carbohydrates?
Energy storage, fuel, metabolite + structural element
What is formula for monosaccharides?
(CH2O)n
What are 2 kinds of monosaccharides?
Ketone based=> ketose
Aldehyde based => aldose
Describe the structure of glucose?
Aldose
6 C atoms= hexose
D configuration= asymmetric C atom most distant from aldehyde/ketone group
Can exist in long chain + ring structure
What is monosaccharides is sucrose made from?
a-D glucose + B-D fructose
What monosaccharides is lactose made from?
B-D galactose + a-D glucose
Give examples of polysaccharides and state what bonds they consist of?
Cellulose=> B 1-4 glycosidic bond
Starch + glycogen=> a 1-4 glycosidic bond
Describe the structure of glycogen?
Aldose
6 C atoms = hexose
Give an example of an oligosaccharide?
Blood groups
Describe the primary structure of protein?
Covalent bonds forming a polymer
Order of amino acid residues joined by peptide bonds
Describe the secondary structure of protein? Give an example
Regular folded forms often stabilised by H bonds
E.g. helices + sheets
Describe the tertiary structure of proteins?
3D structure stabilised by H bonds, hydrophobic interactions, VDW forces and disulphides bridges
Describe the quaternary structure of protein?
Organisation of macromolecules into assemblies often stabilised by ionic bonds e.g. several polypeptides make up protein
What is a saturated fatty acid?
Give an example
No double bonds
E.g. comes from animal products
What is unsaturated fatty acid?
Double bonds
E.g. oil
What are 2 types of unsaturated fatty acid?
Trans unsaturated- H atoms are opposite
Cis unsaturated- H atoms on same side, bent configuration
Describe the structure of triglycerides?
Formed by attraction with 3 fatty acids + glycerol
Glycerol backbone + Ester bond is formed with fatty acids coming off it
Describe the structure of phospholipid?
2 fatty acids with glycerol backbone Hydrophilic head (where phospholipid is found) + hydrophobic tail
Describe the structure of cholesterol?
It’s a steroid
Can intercalate into membrane:
- OH group interact with polar lipid heads
- its steroid scaffold interact with fatty acid
What is the function of cholesterol?
Decreases fluidity of membrane
Increase flexibility of membrane
Reduces permeability for soluble molecules
Give examples of single molecule diseases
Diabetes
Sickle cell disease
Cystic fibrosis
What is steroid?
How are different steroids distinguished?
Are lipids characterised by carbon skeleton consisting of 4 fused rings
Different steroids are distinguished by particular chemical groups attached to this ensemble of rings
