Lecture 6: Biological Macromolecules (Lipids & Carbohydrates)

Question 1

What are the functions of carbs?

Answer 1

• Source of energy (glucose)
• Source of carbon to build other molecules (Fats)
  – Structural carbohydrates (chitin)
• Molecular Structure (backbone of nucleic acids)
• Cell identity (glycoproteins)

Question 2

What are lipids and some of its functions?

Answer 2

Lipids are nonpolar hydrocarbons, they are insoluable in water, and structurally variable

Functions: Storage energy (fats), Structure (phosphoplipids), Cell Identity (glycolipids), Pigements (chlorophyll)

Question 3

What are some types of lipids?

Answer 3

• Triglycerides (fats & oils) : held together with ester linkage
• Fatty acids (saturated vs unsaturated)
• Phospholipids : amphipahic
• Pigments : abosrb light (chlorophyll)
• Steroids (cortisol)
• Waxes : repel water, stucture, protection

Question 4

Saturated vs Unsaturated fatty acids

Answer 4

Saturated
- No double bonds
- Solid at room temp

Unsaturated
- Double bonds
- Liquid at room temp