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Biological Sciences Foundation Year > Carbohydrates, Lipids and Proteins > Flashcards

Carbohydrates, Lipids and Proteins Flashcards

1
Q

What is the importance of understanding the structure of biological molecules?

A

Understanding the structure of molecules is crucial to understanding their function.

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2
Q

Define monomer and polymer in the context of biological molecules.

A

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.

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3
Q

How do carbohydrates differ in their monomer and polymer forms?

A

The monomer of carbohydrates is monosaccharides (e.g., glucose), while the polymer form is polysaccharides (e.g., starch).

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4
Q

Identify the building blocks of proteins and nucleic acids.

A

The building blocks of proteins are amino acids, while the building blocks of nucleic acids are nucleotides.

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5
Q

Explain the role of covalent bonds in biological molecules.

A

Covalent bonds, such as carbon-hydrogen bonds, are essential for the stability and structure of biological molecules.

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6
Q

What are the four main types of biological molecules?

A

The four main types of biological molecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

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7
Q

Describe the process of molecular self-assembly in biological systems.

A

Molecular self-assembly refers to the process where molecules, such as lipids, spontaneously organize into structured arrangements, like membranes, in aqueous environments.

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8
Q

How do condensation and hydrolysis reactions function in biological molecules?

A

Condensation reactions link biological molecules together, while hydrolysis reactions split them apart.

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9
Q

What is the size range of tissues and organs in the hierarchical assembly of the body?

A

Tissues and organs range from 0.2 to 10 micrometers in size.

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10
Q

Identify the size range of lipids in the context of biological assemblies.

A

Lipids range in size from 20 nanometers to 20 micrometers.

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11
Q

Explain the significance of the learning outcomes for the course BIOL00005.

A

The learning outcomes aim to ensure students demonstrate an understanding of the structure and function of biomolecules.

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12
Q

What is the relationship between the structure and function of biomolecules?

A

The structure of biomolecules directly influences their function, making it essential to study both aspects.

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13
Q

List the elements commonly found in proteins and nucleic acids.

A

Proteins are composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur, while nucleic acids contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

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14
Q

Describe the process of condensation in molecular biology.

A

Condensation is a reaction that occurs when two molecules are joined together with the removal of water.

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15
Q

Define hydrolysis and its role in molecular reactions.

A

Hydrolysis is a reaction that occurs when a molecule is split into two smaller molecules with the addition of water.

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16
Q

List the three main groups of carbohydrates.

A

The three main groups of carbohydrates are monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

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17
Q

How do monosaccharides function in living organisms?

A

Monosaccharides serve as a key energy source in living organisms.

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18
Q

What are the characteristics of monosaccharides?

A

Monosaccharides are single carbohydrate molecules that taste sweet, are soluble in water, and can exist as straight chains or in ring forms.

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19
Q

Explain the structure of disaccharides.

A

Disaccharides are formed by the joining of two monosaccharides through a glycosidic bond.

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20
Q

Provide examples of disaccharides and their components.

A

Examples of disaccharides include:
* maltose (⍺-glucose + ⍺-glucose)
* sucrose (⍺-glucose + fructose)
* lactose (𝛽-galactose + ⍺-glucose)
* cellobiose (𝛽-glucose + 𝛽-glucose)

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21
Q

What are polysaccharides and how are they classified?

A

Polysaccharides are polymers of monosaccharides and can be classified as homopolysaccharides (e.g., starch) or heteropolysaccharides (e.g., hyaluronic acid).

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22
Q

Describe the structure and function of starch.

A

Starch is a polysaccharide composed of amylose (unbranched) and amylopectin (branched) and serves as an energy store in plants.

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23
Q

How does glycogen differ from starch in terms of structure?

A

Glycogen is extensively branched compared to starch, which has both branched (amylopectin) and unbranched (amylose) components.

24
Q

Identify the primary elements found in carbohydrates.

A

Carbohydrates contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

25
Q

What is the general formula for carbohydrates?

A

The general formula for carbohydrates is (CH2O)n.

26
Q

Discuss the role of carbohydrates in cellular structures.

A

Carbohydrates serve as structural units, such as cellulose in plants and chitin in insects.

27
Q

How do carbohydrates contribute to energy storage?

A

Carbohydrates, such as starch and glycogen, act as energy stores in living organisms.

28
Q

Describe the structural unit of plant cell walls.

A

Cellulose is the structural unit of plant cell walls, consisting of long chains of unbranched 𝛽-glucose.

29
Q

How do cellulose molecules contribute to the strength of plant cell walls?

A

Straight cellulose molecules lie side by side, and hydrogen bonds between them provide structural strength.

30
Q

Define lipids and their general characteristics.

A

Lipids are organic compounds that contain large amounts of carbon and hydrogen, a smaller amount of oxygen, and are hydrophobic and insoluble in water.

31
Q

List the three main types of lipids.

A

The three main types of lipids are triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids.

32
Q

What is the function of lipids in mammals?

A

Lipids serve as an energy source and storage, provide protection for vital organs, and offer insulation through subcutaneous fat.

33
Q

Explain the composition of triglycerides.

A

Triglycerides are composed of one glycerol molecule bonded to three fatty acids through ester bonds.

34
Q

Describe the structure of phospholipids.

A

Phospholipids consist of one glycerol, two fatty acids, phosphate groups, and a polar group.

35
Q

How do triglycerides differ from phospholipids in structure?

A

Triglycerides have one glycerol and three fatty acids, while phospholipids have one glycerol, two fatty acids, and additional phosphate and polar groups.

36
Q

What role do lipids play in insulation for mammals?

A

Lipids, particularly in the form of subcutaneous fat, provide insulation to help maintain body temperature.

37
Q

Identify the components that make up a triglyceride.

A

A triglyceride is made up of one glycerol molecule and three fatty acids.

38
Q

Describe the structure of the phospholipid bilayer.

A

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.

39
Q

How are phospholipids arranged in cell membranes?

A

Phospholipids are arranged in a bilayer in cell membranes, similar to their arrangement when added to water.

40
Q

Define steroids in terms of their structure.

A

Steroids are lipids characterized by a carbon skeleton consisting of four fused rings.

41
Q

What is cholesterol and its role in animal cells?

A

Cholesterol is a small, hydrophobic molecule that is a component of animal cell membranes and is synthesized in the liver.

42
Q

Explain the relationship between steroid hormones and cholesterol.

A

Steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol.

43
Q

What are proteins made of?

A

Proteins are large polymers made up of long chains of amino acids.

44
Q

How significant are proteins to cellular functions?

A

Nearly every cellular function depends on proteins, which make up more than 50% of the dry mass of most cells.

45
Q

List some functions of proteins.

A

Examples of protein functions include:
* defense
* storage
* transport
* cellular communication
* movement
* structural support

46
Q

Define amino acids and their basic structure.

A

Amino acids are organic molecules that contain carboxyl and amino groups.

47
Q

What differentiates amino acids from one another?

A

Amino acids differ in their properties due to different side chains known as R groups.

48
Q

How many amino acids are used by cells to build proteins?

A

Cells use 20 different amino acids to build proteins.

49
Q

Describe the role of peptide bonds in polypeptides.

A

Peptide bonds link amino acids together to form polypeptides, which are polymers of amino acids.

50
Q

Define the primary structure of a protein.

A

The primary structure of a protein is its unique sequence of amino acids.

51
Q

How does the secondary structure of proteins differ from the primary structure?

A

The secondary structure consists of coils and folds in the polypeptide chain, while the primary structure is the linear sequence of amino acids.

52
Q

Explain the significance of tertiary structure in proteins.

A

Tertiary structure is determined by interactions among various side chains (R groups) and is crucial for the protein’s overall shape and function.

53
Q

What is quaternary structure in proteins?

A

Quaternary structure occurs when a protein consists of multiple polypeptide chains.

54
Q

Identify the types of interactions that contribute to protein structure.

A

Hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, hydrophobic interactions, Van der Waals interactions, and disulfide bridges contribute to protein structure.

55
Q

Discuss the impact of a change in primary structure on protein function, using sickle-cell disease as an example.

A

Sickle-cell disease is caused by a change in the primary structure of hemoglobin, leading to altered protein function and shape.

56
Q

How does the 3D architecture of proteins relate to their function?

A

The specific activities of proteins result from their intricate 3D architecture, which is essential for their function.

57
Q

What is the relationship between polypeptides and proteins?

A

A functional protein is made up of one or more polypeptides that are precisely twisted, folded, and coiled into a unique shape.

Biological Sciences Foundation Year (17 decks)

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