L4: Macromolecules in Cells Flashcards
What is an organic molecule?
- A molecule that contains at least one C-H bond
- Ex: CH4 (methane)
What are the 4 major molecules and where can they be found in the cell?
- Lipids: Cell membrane
- Nucleic acids: DNA/RNA
- Proteins: Everywhere (enzymes, structure, etc.)
- Carbohydrates: Cell wall, energy source
Which macromolecule does NOT contain Sulfur?
- Nucleic acids
Which macromolecules CONTAIN phosphorus?
- Lipids & Nucleic acids
Which macromolecules CONTAIN oxygen?
- All four
What are the major elements required for the synthesis of Nucleic Acids?
- Carbon
- Hydrogen
- Nitrogen
- Oxygen
- Phosphorus
What are the major elements required for the synthesis of Proteins?
- Carbon
- Hydrogen
- Nitrogen
- Oxygen
- Sulfur
What are the major elements required for the synthesis of Lipids?
- Carbon
- Hydrogen
- Nitrogen
- Oxygen
- Sulfur
- Phosphorus
What are the major elements required for the synthesis of Carbohydrates?
Carbon
- Hydrogen
- Nitrogen
- Oxygen
- Sulfur
What are polymers?
- Macromolecules
- Made up of repeated units (monomers) connected by covalent bonds
What are macromolecules?
- Polymers
- Made up of repeated units (monomers) connected by covalent bonds
Which macromolecule polymerizes differently than the others?
- Lipids
Polymers of nucleic acids, proteins and carbohydrates exhibit POLARITY. What does this mean?
- the polymer has two chemically distinct ends with different functions
In proteins, which functional group forms a peptide bond with other amino acids?
- Carboxyl group
What is the directionality of a protein polymer?
- “N” terminus to “C” terminus
