Carbohydrates, Lipids and Enzymes(Unit 1) Flashcards
What is the basic composition ratio of carbohydrates?
C:H:O in the ratio 1:2:1.
What are the primary functions of carbohydrates?
Short-term energy, cell identification, cell communication, and structural materials.
What are the classifications of carbohydrates?
Monosaccharides (e.g., glucose, galactose, fructose), Disaccharides (e.g., maltose, sucrose, lactose), Polysaccharides (e.g., starch, glycogen, cellulose, chitin).
What are the general characteristics of lipids (triglycerides)?
Generally nonpolar, hydrophobic, and used for long-term energy storage. Composed of glycerol bonded to three fatty acids.
What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?
Saturated fatty acids are solid at room temperature with no double bonds between carbon atoms. Unsaturated fatty acids are liquid at room temperature with one or more double bonds.
What are phospholipids and their role in cells?
Phospholipids form cell membranes and are composed of glycerol bonded to two fatty acids and a polar phosphate group. They are amphoteric, being both hydrophilic and hydrophobic.
What are sterol lipids and give examples?
Sterol lipids consist of four carbon rings with varying functional groups. Examples include cholesterol, which is crucial for cell membranes, sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone), vitamin D, and bile.
What are waxes and their function?
Waxes are a type of lipid made up of a long-chain fatty acid bonded to a long-chain alcohol. They form protective coverings for plants and animals.
What are the primary functions of proteins?
Structural support, transport of substances, cell signaling, movement, coordination and regulation of activities, and accelerating chemical reactions (as enzymes).
Describe the four levels of protein folding.
Primary structure: sequence of amino acids. Secondary structure: folding/coiling of the chain. Tertiary structure: folding due to side chain interactions. Quaternary structure: multiple chains coming together (e.g., collagen, hemoglobin).
What happens when a protein denatures?
Temperature and pH changes can cause a protein to unravel (denature), rendering it unable to carry out its biological functions.
What are nucleic acids and their components?
Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are made of nucleotides, which include a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar, and a phosphate group.
