Ch 4

What are the four main types of macromolecules?

Carbohydrates, nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids.

What type of bond involves the sharing of electrons?

Covalent bonds.

What is the role of hydrogen bonds in macromolecules?

Hydrogen bonds influence the structure and function of macromolecules by creating weak attractions between molecules.

How does polarity affect molecular interactions?

Polarity can determine how molecules attract or repel each other, affecting solubility and interactions in biological systems.

What type of macromolecule is glucose?

Carbohydrate (specifically a monosaccharide).

What is a disaccharide?

A carbohydrate formed from two monosaccharides linked by a glycosidic bond.

What defines a triglyceride?

A lipid composed of three fatty acids bound to glycerol.

What is the primary function of enzymes?

They catalyze biochemical reactions by lowering activation energy.

What are phospholipids and their function?

Phospholipids are molecules containing a glycerol, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group, forming cell membranes.

What are the base pairs in DNA?

Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T) and Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G).

What is ATP and its role in cells?

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is the primary energy carrier in cells.

Define hydrophilic and hydrophobic.

Hydrophilic substances are water-attracting (polar), while hydrophobic substances are water-repelling (nonpolar).

What is meant by 'dehydration synthesis'?

A chemical reaction that links monomers together by removing a water molecule.

What happens to proteins at high heat or strong pH changes?

Proteins can denature, reverting to their primary structure and losing their function.

What are the different levels of protein structure?

Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary structures.

What is a characteristic of water that influences life?

Water is a universal solvent, which facilitates chemical reactions and transport of substances.

How can acids affect pH levels in a solution?

Acids release H+, decreasing the pH of the solution.

What are the three types of chemical bonds?

Covalent, Ionic, and Hydrogen bonds.

What is the role of structural proteins?

They provide support and strength to cells, tissues, and organs.

What is meant by 'amphipathic' molecules?

Molecules that contain both polar and nonpolar regions.

What type of bond forms the backbone of DNA?

Phosphodiester bonds.

What is a monosaccharide?

A monosaccharide is the simplest form of sugar, consisting of a single sugar molecule, such as glucose or fructose.

What is the purpose of RNA in cells?

RNA (ribonucleic acid) plays a crucial role in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?

Saturated fats contain no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fats contain one or more double bonds.

What are enzymes made of?

Enzymes are primarily made of proteins, although some can be formed from RNA (ribozymes).

What is the structure of an amino acid?

An amino acid has a central carbon atom, an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable R group.

What are the building blocks of proteins?

The building blocks of proteins are amino acids.

How does the pH scale work?

The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, ranging from 0 (acidic) to 14 (alkaline), with 7 being neutral.

What is a polymer?

A polymer is a large molecule composed of repeating structural units (monomers), connected by covalent bonds.

What role do ions play in biological systems?

Ions are essential for various functions, including maintaining pH balance, transporting nutrients, and facilitating nerve impulses.

What is the primary function of carbohydrates in living organisms?

Carbohydrates serve as a primary energy source and provide structural support in cells.