Introduction to Biomolecules & Related Terminology

Question 1

Hydrophobic Molecules

Answer 1

• Molecules that don’t dissolve in water, since they are non-polar

Question 2

Hydrophilic Molecules

Answer 2

• Molecules that dissolve in water, since they are polar

Question 3

What is C6H12O6?

Answer 3

Glucose, fructose, and galactose

Question 4

What functional group increases polarity?

Answer 4

“OH” groups

Question 5

What are macromolecules?

Answer 5

• Large molecules; with high molecular mass

Question 6

In biology; what are the 4 most important macromolecules?

Answer 6

1. Carbohydrates
2. Proteins
3. Lipids
4. Nucleic acids

Question 7

What are polymers?

Answer 7

• Large macromolecules made up of several repeated subunits
• Ex: starch

Question 8

What are monomers?

Answer 8

• Smaller groups of molecules
• They can be bonded to other identical molecules to form a polymer
• Ex: Glucose

Question 9

Dehydration synthesis reactions

Answer 9

• Also called condensation reactions
• Creates a covalent bond between 2 subunits
• Removes an H and OH from adjacent subunits thus forming water and a larger molecule
• a type of ANABOLIC REACTION
• ex. monosaccharide + monosaccharide –> disaccharide + water

Question 10

Hydrolysis Reactions

Answer 10

• Water is used to break a covalent bond between subunits
• Water associates itself in-between bonds
• a type of CATABOLIC REACTION
• ex. disaccharide + water –> monosaccharide + monosaccharide

Question 11

What is a Catabolic Reaction?

Answer 11

• Breaking apart molcules
• Ex. fats into triglycerides and glycerol

Question 12

What is an anabolic reaction?

Answer 12

• Building up a larger molecule
• Ex. sugar into starch