Modules 1-5 short answer questions

Question 1

What are the four major classes of biological molecules? which of these is not a polymer?

Answer 1

Carbohydrates (Sugars/starch, energy and structure)
Lipids (Structure, signally, and energy storage)
Nucleic acids (Genetic information storage, nucleotides)
Proteins (Enzymes that act as catalysts)

Lipids are not polymers.

Question 2

Define metabolism, catabolic and anabolic reactions. What are condensation and hydrolysis?

Answer 2

Metabolism - The whole set of chemical reactions that occur within an organism.
Catabolic - Breaks down molecules and releases energy
Anabolic - Consumes energy
Hydrolysis - Breaking apart of molecules in the presence of water
Condensation - Joining of molecules with water as a by-product