Functions of Biological Molecules Flashcards
What is the function of glucose?
Broken down during respiration to provide chemical energy
What is the function of starch?
Energy storage carbohydrate in plants.
What is the function of glycogen?
Energy storage carbohydrate in animals.
What is the function of cellulose?
Structural carbohydrate in plant cell walls
What are lipids classified as?
Biological molecules which are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol.
What are the functions of the triglycerides?
Long term storage of energy (plants and animals)
Thermal insulation in homeotherms.
What is the function of phospholipids?
Structural, as part of the membrane.
What is the function of steroids?
Hormonal, such as testosterone and oestrogen.
Structural, as part of the plasma membrane.
What does a gene code for?
A polypeptide.
What are the functions of proteins?
Catalytic
Structural
Messenger
Carriers
Give an example of a catalytic protein.
Enzymes such as DNA polymerase and kinase
Give an example of a structural protein.
Tubulin in the cytoskeleton
Collagen in the bone
Give an example of a messenger protein.
Hormones such as ADH and insulin
Give an example of a carrier protein
Membrane proteins such as aquaporin
