Introduction to Biological Molecules and Cell Structure Flashcards

1
Q

What are the two types of cells?

A
  • Prokaryotic Cell

- Eukaryotic Cell

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2
Q

What are the two roles small molecules play?

A
  • Building blocks for macromolecules.

- Specific functions

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3
Q

What is composition of a cell made up of?

List 4 key components

A
  • Water
  • Inorganic Ions
  • Small Organic Molecules
  • Macromolecules
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4
Q

What is the proportion of the total cell weight with all the different components?

A

Water = 70%
Macromolecules = 26%
Small Organic Molecules = 3%
Inorganic Ions = 1%

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5
Q

What is the formula of carbohydrates?

A

(CH2O)n

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6
Q

What is the function of carbohydrates?

A

Energy Storage / Fuel / Metabolite / Structural Element.

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7
Q

What are the main two types of monosaccharides in carbohydrates?

A
  • Ketones = ketone based

- Aldoses = aldehyde based

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8
Q

Do monosaccharides have chiral centres?

If so what is another name for chiral centres?

A

Yes = They have chiral centres.

Known as enantiomers.

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9
Q

What is the difference between ketone and aldose?

A

The position of the c = o bond differs.
In ketose -> the bond is in the middle.
In aldose -> the bond is at the end.

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10
Q

Name two examples of an aldose.

A

Glucose (also known as hexose).

Glycogen (known as hexose).

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11
Q

How are disaccharides formed?

A

Condensation Reaction = whereby H2O is released upon bond forming.

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12
Q

Name 3 polysaccharides.

A

Cellulose
Starch
Glycogen

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13
Q

What bond is in cellulose?

A

Beta 1 - 4 glycosidic bond

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14
Q

What bond is in starch and glycogen?

A

Alpha 1 - 4 glycosidic bond

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15
Q

Why is glycogen so compact?

A

There is 1,6 glycosidic bonds and therefore, the structure is coiled and tight.

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16
Q

What are oligosaccharides?

A

These are a combination of monosaccharides and therefore, create a variety of shapes.

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17
Q

What determines the function of a molecule?

A

The shape of the molecule.

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18
Q

Name an example of an oligosaccharide.

A

Blood Groups

19
Q

What happens when the wrong blood type is used during a transfusion?

A

Clotting occurs = Known as coagulation.

20
Q

What components make up an amino acid?

A

Amine Group
Carboxyl Acid Group
R group
Hydrogen atom

21
Q

What happens when amino acids react?

A

Condensation reaction occurs.

Peptide bond is formed and therefore, water molecule is released.

22
Q

What is the structure of proteins?

A

Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
Quaternary

23
Q

Explain what a primary structure is.

A

Amino acids joined together by peptide bonds.

Forms a polymer.

24
Q

Explain what a secondary structure is.

A

Protein chain is folded (stabilised by hydrogen bonds).

Folded to form alpha helices and beta pleated sheets.

25
Explain what a tertiary structure is.
3D structure which is stabilised by H - Bonds / Hydrophobic / Hydrophilic / Van Der Waals.
26
Explain what a quaternary structure is.
Several polypeptide chains are made. These assemble to form a protein. Stabilised by IONIC BONDS.
27
Name two vasodilators.
Histidine | Histamine
28
Name two molecules which trigger glycogen breakdown.
Tyrosine | Adrenaline
29
What is the purpose of body fats?
Act predominantly as food preserves. (IE : Energy).
30
What are body fats made of?
Glycerol and Fatty Acids.
31
How is body fats linked to glycerol?
Glycerol Esters of Fatty Acids.
32
How are fats transported in membranes?
Fats are transported via micelles and liposomes.
33
Name the structure of a phospholipid molecule.
Hydrophilic Head | Hydrophobic Core
34
What is cholesterol known as?
It is known as a steroid.
35
How can cholesterol intercalate into the membrane?
OH group interacts with the polar lipid heads. | Its steroid scaffold interacts with the fatty acids.
36
When cholesterol is bonded onto a structure what does it do to the membrane and the molecules too?
Decreases FLUIDITY. Increases FLEXIBILITY. Reduces PERMEABILITY for soluble molecules.
37
Examples of hormones which have cholesterol.
Aldosterone Cortisol Estradiol Testosterone
38
What is the basic structure of a nucleotide?
Sugar Base Phosphate
39
What are the 2 types of nucleotides?
Ribonucleotide | Deoxyribonucleotide
40
What is the structure of DNA known as?
Anti - Parallel Structure. | As there is a 5" prime end alongside a 3" prime end too.
41
What is the purpose of nucleotides?
Energy Units Second Messenger Involved in RNA synthesis
42
What can affect the function of a protein?
Protein Denaturation = Loss of structure. | Protein Mutation = Change of structure.
43
What are 2 major energy sources for humans?
Starch | Glycogen
44
Is DNA or RNA more stable?
DNA is more stable because it has one LESS oxygen compared to RNA.