Module 3

Question 1

What are the 4 basic classes of macromolecules and their role in cells?

Answer 1

Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids

Question 2

What are the 3 common monomers and polymers of biological molecules in general terms?

Answer 2

monosaccharides, amino acids, and nucleotides

Question 3

What are the the four levels of protein structure?

Answer 3

The primary structure of a protein is the linear sequence of amino acids that make up the polypeptide chain. Secondary structure refers to the local folding patterns within a polypeptide chain. Tertiary structure is the three-dimensional arrangement of the entire polypeptide chain. Quaternary structure is the arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains (subunits) to form a functional protein.

Question 4

how does the structure of a protein relate to its function?

Answer 4

the specific arrangement of amino acids determines the protein’s shape, stability, and interactions with other molecules. Changes in protein structure can significantly impact its function, potentially leading to altered biological processes or disease states.

Question 5

how does the structure and function of a protein possibly change in different environmental conditions?

Answer 5

temperature, pH, salt concentration, and the presence of denaturing agents

Question 6

Monomers

Answer 6

Monomers are small molecules that can undergo polymerization to form larger, more complex molecules called polymers

Question 7

Polymers

Answer 7

Polymers are large molecules composed of repeating structural units called monomers. These monomers are covalently bonded together in a chain-like fashion, forming long chains or networks. Polymers can be found in natural materials, such as proteins, DNA, and cellulose, as well as in synthetic materials, such as plastics, rubber, and fibers.

Question 8

macromolecules

Answer 8

proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids

Question 9

dehydration synthesis

Answer 9

monomers are joined by removal of OH (oxygen & hydrogen) from one monomer & removal of H from the other at the site of the bond formation.

Question 10

hydrolysis

Answer 10

opposite of dehydration synthesis. Monomers are released by the addition of a water molecule, adding OH to one monomer and the H to the other.

Question 11

carbohydrates

Answer 11

Carbon, hydrogen & oxygen.

Question 12

monosaccharide

Answer 12

single sugar

Question 13

disaccharide

Answer 13

double sugar

Question 14

polysaccharide

Answer 14

big long chains of sugar

Question 15

glycogen

Answer 15

a polysaccharide. serves as a form of energy storage in animals, fungi, and bacteria, analogous to the role of starch in plants

Question 16

starch

Answer 16

Starch is a complex carbohydrate, primarily composed of glucose monomers

Question 17

cellulose

Answer 17

cellulose serves as a structural component of plant cell walls, providing strength, rigidity, and support to plant cells and tissues.

Question 18

chitin

Answer 18

Chitin is a complex carbohydrate and a structural polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of arthropods (such as insects and crustaceans), as well as in the cell walls of fungi and certain algae.

Question 19

lipids

Answer 19

Lipids are a diverse group of organic compounds that are characterized by their insolubility in water

Question 20

glycerol

Answer 20

a colorless, odorless, and sweet-tasting liquid that is viscous and hygroscopic (it absorbs water from its surroundings). Glycerol is a key building block in the synthesis of lipids

Question 21

fatty acid

Answer 21

a type of organic molecule that serves as a building block for lipids, which are a diverse group of biological molecules including fats, oils, phospholipids, and waxes

Question 22

triglycerides

Answer 22

a type of lipid molecule composed of three fatty acid molecules esterified to a glycerol molecule

Question 23

fats / saturated fatty acids

Answer 23

a type of macronutrient that serves as a concentrated source of energy in the diet

Question 24

oils / unsaturated fatty acids

Question 25

trans fat

Question 26

phospholipids

Question 27

steroids

Question 28

amino acids

Question 29

polypeptides

Question 30

enzymes

Question 31

denaturation

Question 32

nucleic acids

Answer 32

Nucleic acids are biopolymers, or large molecules, essential for all known forms of life. They serve as the blueprint for the genetic information in living organisms and play crucial roles in various cellular functions. There are two main types of nucleic acids: DNA & RNA.

Question 33

nucleotides

Answer 33

Monomers/building blocks of nucleic acids. Can store & relay information.

Question 34

DNA deoxyribonucleic acid

Question 35

double helix

Question 36

RNA ribonucleic acid