Carbon based molecules Flashcards
What is dehydration synthesis?
A process where 2 smaller molecules join together to form one large molecule, releasing a water molecule.
What is the function of dehydration synthesis?
It is a key process in building larger molecules.
What features help identify a picture of dehydration synthesis?
A water molecule being released and a macromolecule being made.
What is hydrolysis?
A process that involves breaking down larger molecules into smaller ones by adding a water molecule.
What is the function of hydrolysis?
It is essential for breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones.
What features help identify a picture of hydrolysis?
A water molecule being added and smaller molecules being formed.
Why is carbon important in living things?
Carbon is the backbone of organic molecules and is essential for life.
How many protons, neutrons, and electrons does carbon have?
Carbon has 6 protons, 6 neutrons, and 6 electrons.
What important feature of carbon makes it an important element?
Carbon can form four covalent bonds, allowing for a variety of complex structures.
What other elements are found in living things?
Common elements include hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.
What are the elements found in carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
What is the term for a carbohydrate monomer?
Monosaccharide.
Give an example of a carbohydrate monomer.
Glucose.
What is the function of a carbohydrate monomer?
To provide energy and serve as building blocks for polysaccharides.
What is the general term for carbohydrate polymers?
Polysaccharides.
What are examples of energy transport in carbohydrates?
Examples include sucrose and glucose.
What are examples of energy storage in carbohydrates?
Starch and glycogen.
What are structural examples of carbohydrates?
Cellulose and chitin.
What are the elements found in all lipids?
Lipids are primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
What is the unifying feature of all lipids?
They are hydrophobic (water-repelling).
What are the functions of fats?
Energy storage, insulation, and protection of organs.
What are the building blocks for fats?
Fatty acids and glycerol.
How do the building blocks of fats come together?
Through dehydration synthesis reactions.
What are the differences between saturated and unsaturated fats?
Saturated fats have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds.
Why are some fats liquid and some solid?
Saturated fats are solid at room temperature, while unsaturated fats are liquid due to their molecular structure.
What are the elements found in all proteins?
Proteins are composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.
What are the common parts of protein monomers?
A central carbon, an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a variable R group.
What reaction takes place to bond protein monomers together?
Peptide bonds are formed through dehydration synthesis.
What are common functions of proteins?
Defense, movement, enzymatic activity, regulation, structure, transport, and storage.
What does it mean for a protein to become denatured?
It means the protein loses its functional shape.
What causes a protein to denature?
Factors such as heat, pH changes, and chemical exposure.
What are the elements found in nucleic acids?
Nucleic acids are composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
What are the three parts of nucleic acid monomers?
A phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base.
What is the general function of nucleic acids?
To store and transmit genetic information.
What are the two main reasons we eat?
To obtain energy and essential nutrients.
What is ATP and its general importance?
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy carrier in cells.
Is ATP found in the food we eat?
Yes, ATP is produced during the metabolism of food.
What is the difference between a calorie and a Calorie?
A calorie (small ‘c’) is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1°C, while a Calorie (capital ‘C’) is equivalent to 1,000 calories.
