Carbohydrates, Lipids and Proteins Flashcards
What is the importance of understanding the structure of biological molecules?
Understanding the structure of molecules is crucial to understanding their function.
Define monomer and polymer in the context of biological molecules.
A monomer is a small molecule that binds to many identical molecules to form a polymer, which is a large molecule made from many smaller molecules called monomers.
How do carbohydrates differ in their monomer and polymer forms?
The monomer of carbohydrates is monosaccharides (e.g., glucose), while the polymer form is polysaccharides (e.g., starch).
Identify the building blocks of proteins and nucleic acids.
The building blocks of proteins are amino acids, while the building blocks of nucleic acids are nucleotides.
Explain the role of covalent bonds in biological molecules.
Covalent bonds, such as carbon-hydrogen bonds, are essential for the stability and structure of biological molecules.
What are the four main types of biological molecules?
The four main types of biological molecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Describe the process of molecular self-assembly in biological systems.
Molecular self-assembly refers to the process where molecules, such as lipids, spontaneously organize into structured arrangements, like membranes, in aqueous environments.
How do condensation and hydrolysis reactions function in biological molecules?
Condensation reactions link biological molecules together, while hydrolysis reactions split them apart.
What is the size range of tissues and organs in the hierarchical assembly of the body?
Tissues and organs range from 0.2 to 10 micrometers in size.
Identify the size range of lipids in the context of biological assemblies.
Lipids range in size from 20 nanometers to 20 micrometers.
Explain the significance of the learning outcomes for the course BIOL00005.
The learning outcomes aim to ensure students demonstrate an understanding of the structure and function of biomolecules.
What is the relationship between the structure and function of biomolecules?
The structure of biomolecules directly influences their function, making it essential to study both aspects.
List the elements commonly found in proteins and nucleic acids.
Proteins are composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur, while nucleic acids contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
Describe the process of condensation in molecular biology.
Condensation is a reaction that occurs when two molecules are joined together with the removal of water.
Define hydrolysis and its role in molecular reactions.
Hydrolysis is a reaction that occurs when a molecule is split into two smaller molecules with the addition of water.
List the three main groups of carbohydrates.
The three main groups of carbohydrates are monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.
How do monosaccharides function in living organisms?
Monosaccharides serve as a key energy source in living organisms.
What are the characteristics of monosaccharides?
Monosaccharides are single carbohydrate molecules that taste sweet, are soluble in water, and can exist as straight chains or in ring forms.
Explain the structure of disaccharides.
Disaccharides are formed by the joining of two monosaccharides through a glycosidic bond.
Provide examples of disaccharides and their components.
Examples of disaccharides include:
* maltose (⍺-glucose + ⍺-glucose)
* sucrose (⍺-glucose + fructose)
* lactose (𝛽-galactose + ⍺-glucose)
* cellobiose (𝛽-glucose + 𝛽-glucose)
What are polysaccharides and how are they classified?
Polysaccharides are polymers of monosaccharides and can be classified as homopolysaccharides (e.g., starch) or heteropolysaccharides (e.g., hyaluronic acid).
Describe the structure and function of starch.
Starch is a polysaccharide composed of amylose (unbranched) and amylopectin (branched) and serves as an energy store in plants.
How does glycogen differ from starch in terms of structure?
Glycogen is extensively branched compared to starch, which has both branched (amylopectin) and unbranched (amylose) components.
Identify the primary elements found in carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
What is the general formula for carbohydrates?
The general formula for carbohydrates is (CH2O)n.
Discuss the role of carbohydrates in cellular structures.
Carbohydrates serve as structural units, such as cellulose in plants and chitin in insects.
How do carbohydrates contribute to energy storage?
Carbohydrates, such as starch and glycogen, act as energy stores in living organisms.
Describe the structural unit of plant cell walls.
Cellulose is the structural unit of plant cell walls, consisting of long chains of unbranched 𝛽-glucose.
How do cellulose molecules contribute to the strength of plant cell walls?
Straight cellulose molecules lie side by side, and hydrogen bonds between them provide structural strength.
Define lipids and their general characteristics.
Lipids are organic compounds that contain large amounts of carbon and hydrogen, a smaller amount of oxygen, and are hydrophobic and insoluble in water.
List the three main types of lipids.
The three main types of lipids are triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids.
What is the function of lipids in mammals?
Lipids serve as an energy source and storage, provide protection for vital organs, and offer insulation through subcutaneous fat.
Explain the composition of triglycerides.
Triglycerides are composed of one glycerol molecule bonded to three fatty acids through ester bonds.
Describe the structure of phospholipids.
Phospholipids consist of one glycerol, two fatty acids, phosphate groups, and a polar group.
How do triglycerides differ from phospholipids in structure?
Triglycerides have one glycerol and three fatty acids, while phospholipids have one glycerol, two fatty acids, and additional phosphate and polar groups.
What role do lipids play in insulation for mammals?
Lipids, particularly in the form of subcutaneous fat, provide insulation to help maintain body temperature.
Identify the components that make up a triglyceride.
A triglyceride is made up of one glycerol molecule and three fatty acids.
Describe the structure of the phospholipid bilayer.
The phospholipid bilayer is formed when phospholipids are added to water, causing them to self-assemble into a bilayer that shields their hydrophobic tails from water.
How are phospholipids arranged in cell membranes?
Phospholipids are arranged in a bilayer in cell membranes, similar to their arrangement when added to water.
Define steroids in terms of their structure.
Steroids are lipids characterized by a carbon skeleton consisting of four fused rings.
What is cholesterol and its role in animal cells?
Cholesterol is a small, hydrophobic molecule that is a component of animal cell membranes and is synthesized in the liver.
Explain the relationship between steroid hormones and cholesterol.
Steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol.
What are proteins made of?
Proteins are large polymers made up of long chains of amino acids.
How significant are proteins to cellular functions?
Nearly every cellular function depends on proteins, which make up more than 50% of the dry mass of most cells.
List some functions of proteins.
Examples of protein functions include:
* defense
* storage
* transport
* cellular communication
* movement
* structural support
Define amino acids and their basic structure.
Amino acids are organic molecules that contain carboxyl and amino groups.
What differentiates amino acids from one another?
Amino acids differ in their properties due to different side chains known as R groups.
How many amino acids are used by cells to build proteins?
Cells use 20 different amino acids to build proteins.
Describe the role of peptide bonds in polypeptides.
Peptide bonds link amino acids together to form polypeptides, which are polymers of amino acids.
Define the primary structure of a protein.
The primary structure of a protein is its unique sequence of amino acids.
How does the secondary structure of proteins differ from the primary structure?
The secondary structure consists of coils and folds in the polypeptide chain, while the primary structure is the linear sequence of amino acids.
Explain the significance of tertiary structure in proteins.
Tertiary structure is determined by interactions among various side chains (R groups) and is crucial for the protein’s overall shape and function.
What is quaternary structure in proteins?
Quaternary structure occurs when a protein consists of multiple polypeptide chains.
Identify the types of interactions that contribute to protein structure.
Hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, hydrophobic interactions, Van der Waals interactions, and disulfide bridges contribute to protein structure.
Discuss the impact of a change in primary structure on protein function, using sickle-cell disease as an example.
Sickle-cell disease is caused by a change in the primary structure of hemoglobin, leading to altered protein function and shape.
How does the 3D architecture of proteins relate to their function?
The specific activities of proteins result from their intricate 3D architecture, which is essential for their function.
What is the relationship between polypeptides and proteins?
A functional protein is made up of one or more polypeptides that are precisely twisted, folded, and coiled into a unique shape.
