Unit 1: Macromolecules and Cellular Processes

Practice questions covering the structure, function, and cellular roles of macromolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids), as well as enzyme mechanics.

What are the small molecules that serve as the building blocks for macromolecules?

Monomers

What are the elements and the specific ratio found in carbohydrates?

Carbon $(C)$, Hydrogen $(H)$, and Oxygen $(O)$ in a $1:2:1$ ratio.

How is the physical structure of carbohydrate molecules described?

They are ring-shaped molecules.

What are the three subgroups of carbohydrates based on the number of sugar rings?

Monosaccharide (1 sugar ring), Disaccharide (2 sugar rings), and Polysaccharide (3 or more sugar rings).

What is the primary function of carbohydrates in living organisms?

Quick, short-term energy.

What are some food sources for carbohydrates?

Breads, pastas, rice, fruits/vegetables, and candy.

What are the building blocks (monomers) of lipids?

Glycerol and fatty acids.

How is the physical structure of lipids described?

Long hydrocarbon chains.

What are the functions of lipids?

Stored, long-term energy; protection; and insulation.

Which specific examples of lipids are mentioned in the notes?

Phospholipids, cholesterol, and steroids.

Which unique element is found in proteins that is not found in carbohydrates or lipids?

Nitrogen $(N)$

What is the monomer for proteins?

Amino acids.

What are the major functions of proteins?

Structure, controlling reactions (enzymes), and cell transportation.

What are the specific examples of enzymes listed under proteins?

Amylase and Lipase.

What are the elements that compose nucleic acids?

Carbon $(C)$, Hydrogen $(H)$, Oxygen $(O)$, Nitrogen $(N)$, and Phosphorus $(P)$.

What three components make up a nucleotide?

Sugar, phosphate, and a nitrogenous base.

What are the functions of DNA and RNA?

To store and transmit genetic information.

How do plants and organisms interact with carbohydrates for energy?

Plants carry out photosynthesis to make carbohydrates, and all living organisms carry out cellular respiration to break down glucose into $ATP$.

In cell transport, what is the structure of the cell membrane?

It is made of a phospholipid bilayer with proteins embedded within it.

What role do nucleic acids and proteins play in protein synthesis?

Instructions are stored in DNA, while DNA and RNA are used to assemble amino acids to make proteins.

What is the function of enzymes in chemical reactions?

Enzymes are special proteins that catalyze (speed up) chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy.

What is the 'lock and key' analogy used to describe?

The specialized way enzymes fit only with specific molecules (substrates) for specific reactions.

What is the definition of activation energy?

The amount of energy it takes to start a chemical reaction.

What happens to an enzyme if the temperature or pH levels are too extreme?

The enzyme will denature (change shape), causing it to no longer work.