introduction to Biological molecules and Carbohydrates Flashcards
How are carbohydrates used by cells?
They are used as respiratory substrates. They also form structural components in plasma membranes and cell walls
How are lipids used by cells?
Lipids have many uses, including the bilayer of plasma membranes, certain hormones and as respiratory substrates.
What are the uses of proteins?
Proteins form many cell structures. They are also important as enzymes, chemical messengers and components of the blood.
What is the role of Nucleic acids?
Nucleic acids carry the genetic code for the production of proteins.
Why does our search for life elsewhere in the universe involve a search for liquid water?
Because the most common component of cells is water
What are monomers? (definition)
Monomers are the smaller units from which larger molecules are made.
What are polymers? (definition)
Polymers are molecules made from a large number of monomers joined together.
What is a condensation reaction?
A condensation reaction joins two molecules together with the formation of a chemical bond and involves the elimination of a molecule of water.
What is a Hydrolysis reaction?
A hydrolysis reaction breaks a chemical bond between two molecules and involves the use of a water molecule
What are carbon containing molecules also known as?
organic molecules
Why is life based on a small number of chemical elements?
Because only a few elements can attach to a carbon atom
What are monosaccharides and give some examples? (include general formula)
The single units (monomers) from which all the larger carbohydrates are built. They are sweet-tasting, soluble substances that have the general formula (CH2O)n where n can be any number from 3 to 7. Glucose, galactose and fructose
What bond is formed between two monosaccharides in a condensation reaction?
A glycosidic bond.
What are disaccharides and give some examples?
When two monosaccharides are joined together by a chemical reaction. A molecule of water is also formed (so it’s a condensation reaction)
glucose + glucose = maltose + water
glucose + fructose = sucrose + water
glucose + galactose = lactose + water
Glucose is a ___ sugar?
hexose