Biomolecules Part 2 Flashcards
Able to: List the similarities and differences between DNA and RNA Explain the 4 protein structures Explain enzymes Explain proteins
Information on Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids are polymers composed of monomeric nucleotides
- Nucleotides are subunits of nucleic acids
- Nucleic acids store and transmit genetic information in the cell
Two types of Nucleic Acid:
- Deoxyribonucleic
- Ribonucleic
Each nucleotide has 3 parts:
- A sugar molecule
- A phosphate molecule
- A base
The sugar in both RNA and DNA contain 5 carbon atoms
What nucleotides are in DNA and RNA respectively?
DNA: Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, Guanine
RNA: Adenine, Uracil, Cytosine, Guanine
What holds complementary nucleotides together?
Hydrogen bonds (Weak)
What holds nucleotides together in a single DNA strand?
Phosphodiester bonds (Strong)
Features of DNA
- Consists of 2 complementary chains twisted into a double helix and held by hydrogen bonds
- Contains deoxyribose, a sugar that lacks a hydroxyl group on the second carbon of the sugar
- Stable molecule
- Contains Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, Guanine
Features of RNA
- Single Stranded
- Contains ribose, a sugar that has a hydroxyl group on the second carbon of the sugar
- Contains Adenine, Uracil, Cytosine, Guanine
- Much less stable molecule than DNA
3 types of RNA:
mRNA: Messenger RNA transfers genetic information from DNA
tRNA: Transfer RNA serves as an essential carrier molecule for amino acids to be used in protein synthesis
rRNA: Ribosomal RNA acts as an assembly site for protein synthesis
What are proteins made of
Proteins/Polypeptides are organic compounds made of amino acids
Functions of proteins
- Structural
- Enzymatic
- Transport
- Contractile
- Hormone
- Immunity
- Recognition
How are amino acids classified?
They are classified by the type of side chain
Group I. non-polar side chains.
Group II. polar, uncharged side chains
Group III. acidic side chains
Group IV. basic side chains
What bond links amino acids together?
Peptide bond
List and explain the 4 types of Protein structures.
Primary structure:
- The sequence of amino acids
Secondary structure:
- The type of regular repeating structure (α-helix, β-pleated sheet, triple helix) formed by interactions between the backbone atoms of the protein chain
Tertiary structure:
- The folding of the protein into a compact, three-dimensional shape, stabilized by interactions between side chains of amino acids
Quarternary structure:
- The combination of two or more protein subunits to form a larger biologically active protein
Distinguishing features, monomer, and role in cell of Carbohydrates and what is the test for it?
Carbohydrate
Functions: Provides energy for cells and offers structural support
Monomer: Monosaccharides
Distinguishing features: Carbonyl group and multiple hydroxyl group
Test: Benedict’s test
Distinguishing features, monomer, and role in cell of Lipids and what is the test for it?
Lipids
Functions: Energy, Structural support, Cell signaling
Monomer: Glycerol and fatty acids
Distinguishing features: Insoluble in water and lipids mostly have C - H bonds
Test: Grease spot test
Distinguishing features, monomer, and role in cell of Nucleic Acids and what is the test for it?
Nucleic Acids
Function: Genetic information
Monomer: Nucleotide
Distinguishing Features: Sugar, Phosphate, Cyclic Nitrogenous-Base
Test: Ethidium bromide
Distinguishing features, monomer, and role in cell of Proteins and what is the test for it?
Protein
Functions: Cell regulation, structural support
Monomer: Amino acids
Distinguishing features: Central carbon atom bonded to hydrogen atom, NH2, carboxyl groups, Amino acid side chain
Test: Biuret Reagent
What are enzymes?
- Enzymes are very large proteins
- Biological catalysts
What affects enzyme activity?
- Presence of inhibitors (e.g. metal ions)
- pH levels of surrounding solution
- Temperature
Differences of DNA and RNA?
Differences:
- DNA contains Thymine
- DNA contains deoxyribose which lacks a hydroxyl group on the second carbon of the sugar
- DNA is a stable molecule
- DNA is a double stranded helix
RNA:
- RNA contains Uracil
- RNA contains ribose, which has a hydroxyl group on the second carbon of the sugar
- RNA is a less stable molecule than DNA
- RNA is single stranded
Similarities of DNA and RNA?
Similarities:
- Both sugars that form the nucleotides for DNA and RNA contain 5 carbons
- Both are made of nucleotides
- In both DNA and RNA, the nucleotides within the same strand are joined by phosphodiester bonds.
