Biology Final Exam Preparation Overview

A set of flashcards designed to assist in studying key concepts and details from the biology lecture notes related to carbohydrate structure, metabolism, and exam preparation strategies.

What is glucose used for in the cell?

Glucose is a source of chemical energy and provides carbon atoms for building other molecules.

What structural forms can monosaccharides take?

Monosaccharides can exist in linear or ring structures.

What are the two types of glycosidic bonds based on the orientation of the hydroxyl group?

Alpha (down) and beta (up) glycosidic bonds.

What is the main difference between lactose and maltose?

Lactose is a disaccharide made of glucose and galactose with a beta linkage; maltose is made of two glucose molecules with an alpha linkage.

What bonds connect monosaccharides to form polysaccharides?

Glycosidic bonds.

What is the primary storage form of glucose in animals?

Glycogen.

What is the primary function of cellulose in plants?

Cellulose provides structural support to plant cell walls.

How do cows digest cellulose?

Cows have bacteria in their guts that can break down the beta-1,4 glycosidic bonds in cellulose.

What type of bond forms between the hydroxyl groups in forming glycosidic links?

A covalent bond, with water as a byproduct.

What is the significance of branching in glycogen compared to starch?

Glycogen is more extensively branched than amylopectin (starch), allowing for more rapid glucose mobilization.

What happens when lactose is consumed by a lactose-tolerant individual?

Lactose is hydrolyzed into glucose and galactose, leading to a spike in blood glucose levels.

What is the role of RNA polymerase in transcription?

RNA polymerase binds to the promoter and synthesizes RNA from a DNA template.

What is the consequence of the presence of a repressor on the lactase gene?

The repressor binds to the promoter, preventing RNA polymerase from transcribing the lactase gene.