PTP Ch 2.2

Question 1

What is an organic compound?

Answer 1

An organic compound is a molecule that contains carbon and is typically found in living organisms.

Organic compounds are essential for life and include proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Question 2

What are the 4 major groups of biological molecules?

Answer 2

• Proteins
• Nucleic Acids
• Carbohydrates
• Lipids

These groups are fundamental to the structure and function of cells.

Question 3

What basic subunits are used to build proteins?

Answer 3

Amino acids

Proteins are polymers formed by linking amino acids through peptide bonds.

Question 4

What basic subunits are used to build nucleic acids?

Answer 4

Nucleotides

Nucleic acids like DNA and RNA are composed of long chains of nucleotides.

Question 5

What basic subunits are used to build carbohydrates?

Answer 5

Monosaccharides

Carbohydrates can be simple sugars (monosaccharides) or complex forms (polysaccharides).

Question 6

What basic subunits are used to build lipids?

Answer 6

Fatty acids and glycerol

Lipids can be simple (like triglycerides) or complex (like phospholipids).

Question 7

How are biomolecules synthesized?

Answer 7

Biomolecules are synthesized through processes such as condensation reactions where smaller units combine to form larger molecules.

This often involves the removal of water (dehydration synthesis).

Question 8

How are biomolecules broken down?

Answer 8

Biomolecules are broken down through hydrolysis reactions where larger molecules are split into smaller units by adding water.

This process is essential for digestion and cellular metabolism.

Question 9

What are the functions of proteins in the body?

Answer 9

• Catalyzing biochemical reactions (enzymes)
• Structural support
• Transporting molecules
• Cellular signaling
• Immune response

Proteins perform a vast array of functions crucial for maintaining life.

Question 10

What are the functions of nucleic acids in the body?

Answer 10

• Storing genetic information (DNA)
• Transmitting genetic information (RNA)
• Protein synthesis

Nucleic acids are vital for heredity and cellular function.

Question 11

What are the functions of carbohydrates in the body?

Answer 11

• Providing energy
• Storing energy
• Serving as structural components in cells

Carbohydrates are a primary energy source for the body.

Question 12

What are the functions of lipids in the body?

Answer 12

• Storing energy
• Forming cell membranes
• Signaling molecules (hormones)

Lipids are essential for energy storage and cellular structure.