Molecules of Life Flashcards
What are the four major macromolecules of life?
Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, Nucleic Acids
Which macromolecule is primarily used for energy storage?
Carbohydrates
True or False: Proteins are made up of amino acids.
True
Fill in the blank: Lipids are important for _____ and energy storage.
membrane structure
What is the main function of nucleic acids in the body?
Storage and transmission of genetic information
Which macromolecule can be found in foods like bread and pasta?
Carbohydrates
What are the building blocks of proteins?
Amino acids
True or False: Lipids are soluble in water.
False
Which macromolecule includes DNA and RNA?
Nucleic Acids
Name a common source of lipids.
Oils, butter, and fatty meats
Which macromolecule is involved in catalyzing biochemical reactions?
Proteins
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a macromolecule? A) Lipids B) Carbohydrates C) Water D) Proteins
C) Water
Fill in the blank: _____ are long chains of sugar units.
Polysaccharides
What are some dietary sources of proteins?
Meat, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts
True or False: All lipids are fats.
False
Which macromolecule helps in the formation of cell membranes?
Lipids
What role do carbohydrates play in the human body?
They provide energy and serve as structural components.
Name two types of nucleic acids.
DNA and RNA
Fill in the blank: The basic unit of carbohydrates is _____ .
Monosaccharides
What is the primary source of carbohydrates in the diet?
Plants
True or False: Proteins can serve as a source of energy.
True
Which macromolecule is known for its role in muscle contraction?
Proteins
What type of lipid is most commonly found in cell membranes?
Phospholipids
Multiple Choice: Which macromolecule is primarily responsible for the genetic code? A) Carbohydrates B) Proteins C) Lipids D) Nucleic Acids
D) Nucleic Acids
What is a common function of enzymes?
To speed up chemical reactions
Fill in the blank: The primary structure of proteins is determined by the _____ sequence.
amino acid
What is the primary function of proteins in the human body?
Proteins serve as the building blocks for tissues and play a critical role in the structure and function of cells.
True or False: Proteins can act as enzymes.
True
Fill in the blank: Proteins are made up of long chains of ________.
amino acids
What role do proteins play in the immune system?
Proteins, such as antibodies, help to identify and neutralize pathogens.
Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins? A) Transport B) Storage C) Photosynthesis
C) Photosynthesis
Short Answer: Name one type of protein that helps in muscle contraction.
Actin or myosin
What is the role of hemoglobin in the human body?
Hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen in the blood.
True or False: All proteins are enzymes.
False
Fill in the blank: Proteins can be classified into _______ and _______ based on their structure.
fibrous; globular
What is the function of structural proteins?
Structural proteins provide support and shape to cells and tissues.
Multiple Choice: Which protein is involved in the transport of nutrients across cell membranes? A) Collagen B) Albumin C) Keratin
B) Albumin
Short Answer: What is the role of enzymes in biological processes?
Enzymes act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in the body.
What are antibodies?
Antibodies are proteins that help the immune system recognize and neutralize foreign substances.
True or False: Proteins can also serve as hormones.
True
Fill in the blank: The sequence of ________ in a protein determines its function.
amino acids
What is the role of transport proteins?
Transport proteins carry substances such as oxygen, ions, and nutrients in the bloodstream.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a storage protein? A) Hemoglobin B) Ferritin C) Enzyme
B) Ferritin
Short Answer: How do proteins contribute to cell signaling?
Proteins act as receptors and transmit signals between cells.
What is the significance of protein folding?
Protein folding determines the protein’s shape and function.
True or False: Denaturation is a process that alters the structure of proteins without affecting their function.
False
Fill in the blank: Enzymes are a type of ________ that catalyze biochemical reactions.
protein
Which protein is primarily responsible for hair and nails?
Keratin
Multiple Choice: What is the primary role of collagen? A) Energy storage B) Structural support C) Hormone regulation
B) Structural support
Short Answer: Name one way proteins are involved in metabolism.
Proteins facilitate biochemical reactions as enzymes.
What is the function of myoglobin?
Myoglobin stores oxygen in muscle cells.
True or False: Proteins are only found in animal products.
False
What are lipids primarily composed of?
Lipids are primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
True or False: Lipids are soluble in water.
False: Lipids are generally insoluble in water.
What is the main function of triglycerides in the body?
The main function of triglycerides is to store energy.
Fill in the blank: Phospholipids are a major component of __________.
cell membranes.
Which type of lipid is important for hormone production?
Steroids are important for hormone production.
What is the role of lipids in insulation?
Lipids help to insulate the body and maintain body temperature.
True or False: All lipids are harmful to human health.
False: Some lipids are essential for health.
What are essential fatty acids?
Essential fatty acids are fatty acids that the body cannot synthesize and must be obtained through diet.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a function of lipids? A) Energy storage B) Structural component C) Signaling molecules D) All of the above
D) All of the above.
What role do lipids play in cellular signaling?
Lipids act as signaling molecules that help regulate various cellular processes.
Fill in the blank: Lipids can serve as __________ for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
carriers.
What is the primary storage form of energy in the human body?
The primary storage form of energy in the human body is triglycerides.
True or False: Cholesterol is a type of lipid that is only harmful.
False: Cholesterol is necessary for cell membrane structure and hormone production.
What is the significance of omega-3 fatty acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are important for heart health and reducing inflammation.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following lipids is primarily involved in energy storage? A) Phospholipids B) Steroids C) Triglycerides D) Waxes
C) Triglycerides.
What type of lipid forms the bilayer of cell membranes?
Phospholipids form the bilayer of cell membranes.
Fill in the blank: Lipids can be classified into __________, __________, and __________.
fats, oils, and steroids.
What is the role of lipids in protecting vital organs?
Lipids provide cushioning and protection for vital organs.
True or False: Saturated fats are generally considered healthier than unsaturated fats.
False: Unsaturated fats are generally considered healthier than saturated fats.
What is the function of lipoproteins in the body?
Lipoproteins transport lipids through the bloodstream.
Fill in the blank: Lipids contribute to the __________ of the skin.
barrier function.
What are the two main types of essential fatty acids?
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Multiple Choice: Which lipid is primarily involved in the formation of hormones? A) Triglycerides B) Phospholipids C) Cholesterol D) Waxes
C) Cholesterol.
What is the role of adipose tissue in the body?
Adipose tissue stores energy in the form of fat and provides insulation.
True or False: All types of fats should be avoided for a healthy diet.
False: Healthy fats are essential for a balanced diet.
What are carbohydrates primarily used for in the human body?
Energy production.
True or False: Carbohydrates are necessary for the proper functioning of the brain.
True.
Fill in the blank: The simplest form of carbohydrates is called __________.
Monosaccharides.
What is the primary storage form of carbohydrates in the human body?
Glycogen.
Which type of carbohydrate is known as dietary fiber?
Polysaccharides.
True or False: All carbohydrates are unhealthy.
False.
What role do carbohydrates play in cellular structure?
They are components of cell membranes and provide structural support.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a function of carbohydrates? A) Energy source B) Structural component C) Hormone production D) Cell signaling
C) Hormone production.
What is the process by which carbohydrates are broken down into glucose?
Glycolysis.
Fill in the blank: Excess carbohydrates are converted to __________ for long-term energy storage.
Fat.
What is the role of carbohydrates in the immune system?
They help in cell signaling and recognition.
True or False: Carbohydrates can be classified into three main categories: sugars, starches, and fiber.
True.
What type of carbohydrate is lactose?
Disaccharide.
Multiple Choice: Which carbohydrate is primarily found in fruits? A) Starch B) Cellulose C) Fructose D) Glycogen
C) Fructose.
What is the main function of dietary fiber in the human body?
To aid in digestion and promote gut health.
Fill in the blank: The recommended daily intake of carbohydrates is generally __________ of total daily calories.
45-65%.
What is the primary carbohydrate found in grains?
Starch.
True or False: Carbohydrates can be used as a quick source of energy.
True.
What are glycoproteins and glycolipids?
Carbohydrates attached to proteins and lipids, playing roles in cell recognition and signaling.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a complex carbohydrate? A) Glucose B) Sucrose C) Glycogen D) Fructose
C) Glycogen.
Fill in the blank: __________ are carbohydrates that cannot be digested by humans.
Fiber.
What happens to carbohydrates during exercise?
They are broken down to provide energy for muscle contraction.
True or False: Carbohydrates play a minimal role in the body’s metabolic processes.
False.
What is the significance of the glycemic index in carbohydrates?
It measures how quickly a carbohydrate raises blood sugar levels.
Fill in the blank: __________ are long chains of monosaccharides.
Polysaccharides.
What are the two main types of nucleic acids in the human body?
DNA and RNA
True or False: DNA is responsible for storing genetic information.
True
Fill in the blank: RNA plays a crucial role in ________ synthesis.
protein
What is the primary function of messenger RNA (mRNA)?
To carry genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.
Which nucleic acid is involved in the process of translation?
RNA
What does DNA stand for?
Deoxyribonucleic acid
What is the role of transfer RNA (tRNA) in protein synthesis?
To bring amino acids to the ribosome.
True or False: Nucleic acids are only found in the nucleus of cells.
False
Which process involves the copying of DNA into RNA?
Transcription
What is the structure of DNA commonly described as?
A double helix
What are the building blocks of nucleic acids called?
Nucleotides
Which type of RNA is responsible for carrying amino acids?
tRNA (transfer RNA)
Fill in the blank: The sequence of ________ in DNA determines the genetic code.
nucleotides
What is the role of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) in the cell?
To form the core of the ribosome’s structure and catalyze protein synthesis.
True or False: Nucleic acids are only involved in protein synthesis.
False
What is the main role of DNA polymerase during DNA replication?
To synthesize new DNA strands.
What is the function of small nuclear RNA (snRNA)?
To be involved in the splicing of pre-mRNA.
Fill in the blank: The nitrogenous bases in DNA are adenine, thymine, cytosine, and ________.
guanine
What type of bond holds the two strands of DNA together?
Hydrogen bonds
What is the role of messenger RNA (mRNA) in eukaryotic cells?
To carry genetic information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.
Which nucleic acid is typically single-stranded?
RNA
True or False: DNA can be found in the mitochondria.
True
What is the process by which RNA is synthesized from a DNA template called?
Transcription
Fill in the blank: The backbone of DNA is made up of sugar and ________.
phosphate
What is the role of DNA in heredity?
To transmit genetic information from parents to offspring.
What is the primary function of nucleic acids in the human body?
To store, transmit, and express genetic information.
What are macromolecules?
Macromolecules are large, complex molecules essential for life, including proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.
True or False: Dysfunction of macromolecules can lead to diseases.
True
Fill in the blank: Proteins are made up of ______.
amino acids
What role do enzymes, which are proteins, play in biological systems?
Enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions, speeding them up and allowing metabolic processes to occur.
What disease is caused by the dysfunction of hemoglobin?
Sickle cell anemia
Multiple Choice: Which of the following macromolecules is primarily responsible for storing genetic information?
Nucleic acids
What is the consequence of dysfunctional lipids in cell membranes?
Dysfunctional lipids can lead to compromised cell integrity and impaired signaling.
True or False: Carbohydrate dysfunction can lead to metabolic disorders.
True
What is the primary function of carbohydrates in the body?
Carbohydrates provide energy and serve as structural components.
Fill in the blank: The genetic disorder cystic fibrosis results from mutations in the ______ gene.
CFTR
Short answer: How does the malfunction of enzymes lead to disease?
Enzyme malfunction can disrupt metabolic pathways, leading to the accumulation of toxic substances or depletion of necessary products.
What is the role of lipids in the body?
Lipids serve as energy storage, structural components of cell membranes, and signaling molecules.
Multiple Choice: Which condition is associated with the dysfunction of insulin?
Diabetes mellitus
True or False: All diseases are caused by genetic mutations in macromolecules.
False
What are the two main types of nucleic acids?
DNA and RNA
Fill in the blank: ______ are the building blocks of nucleic acids.
Nucleotides
Short answer: What is the impact of protein misfolding on health?
Protein misfolding can lead to loss of function and diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
What is the primary consequence of carbohydrate metabolism disorders?
They can lead to conditions like diabetes and glycogen storage diseases.
Multiple Choice: Which macromolecule plays a crucial role in immune response?
Proteins (antibodies)
True or False: All lipids are harmful to health.
False
What is the consequence of a deficiency in essential fatty acids?
It can lead to skin problems, immune dysfunction, and growth issues.
Fill in the blank: The process by which proteins are synthesized from amino acids is called ______.
translation
Short answer: How does oxidative stress affect macromolecules?
Oxidative stress can damage proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, leading to various diseases.
What role do chaperone proteins play?
Chaperone proteins assist in the proper folding of other proteins.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a common result of lipid dysfunction?
Cardiovascular disease
True or False: Macromolecule dysfunction can only result from genetic mutations.
False
What is the function of glycogen in the body?
Glycogen serves as a storage form of glucose for energy.
