Carbs, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids

Biology (PALT)

What are carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are organic molecules made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, serving as a primary energy source.

What are the main types of carbohydrates?

The main types of carbohydrates are monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

What is the role of carbohydrates in the body?

Carbohydrates provide energy, store energy, and are involved in cell recognition processes.

What is glucose?

Glucose is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) that is an important energy source for cells.

What are lipids?

Lipids are a diverse group of hydrophobic organic molecules including fats, oils, and phospholipids.

What is the primary function of fats?

Fats store energy, provide insulation, and protect organs.

What are triglycerides?

Triglycerides are the most common form of fat in the body, composed of glycerol and three fatty acids.

What are saturated fats?

Saturated fats are fats that have no double bonds between carbon atoms, typically solid at room temperature.

What are unsaturated fats?

Unsaturated fats contain one or more double bonds and are usually liquid at room temperature.

What are proteins?

Proteins are large biomolecules made up of amino acids and perform various functions in living organisms.

What is the function of enzymes?

Enzymes are proteins that accelerate biochemical reactions by lowering activation energy.

What are amino acids?

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins.

How many essential amino acids are there?

There are 9 essential amino acids that must be obtained from the diet.

What are nucleic acids?

Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are biopolymer molecules essential for all forms of life.

What is the function of DNA?

DNA stores and transmits genetic information required for the development and functioning of living organisms.

What is RNA?

RNA (ribonucleic acid) is a nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis and gene expression.

What are the structural components of nucleotides?

Nucleotides consist of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

What is a polysaccharide?

A polysaccharide is a carbohydrate composed of multiple monosaccharides linked together.

What are common examples of polysaccharides?

Common polysaccharides include starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

What is the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates?

Simple carbohydrates consist of one or two sugar units, while complex carbohydrates contain multiple sugar units.

What are dietary fibers?

Dietary fibers are complex carbohydrates that are not digested by the body and promote digestive health.

What is glycogen?

Glycogen is a storage form of glucose in animals, primarily found in the liver and muscle cells.

What is the function of phospholipids?

Phospholipids are essential for building cell membranes and maintaining cell structure.

What are the building blocks of proteins?

The building blocks of proteins are amino acids.

What is the importance of protein structure?

The structure of a protein determines its function and activity.

What are the four levels of protein structure?

The four levels are primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure.

What is the role of cholesterol in the body?

Cholesterol is a lipid that contributes to membrane fluidity and is a precursor for steroid hormones.

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

DNA is double-stranded and stores genetic information, while RNA is single-stranded and involved in protein synthesis.

What are the nitrogenous bases found in DNA?

The nitrogenous bases in DNA are adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine.

What are the nitrogenous bases found in RNA?

The nitrogenous bases in RNA are adenine, uracil, cytosine, and guanine.

What is the significance of the order of nucleotides in DNA?

The order of nucleotides determines the genetic code, which dictates protein synthesis.

How do enzymes catalyze reactions?

Enzymes lower the activation energy required for reactions to occur, increasing their rate.

What factors affect enzyme activity?

Enzyme activity can be affected by temperature, pH, and substrate concentration.

What is an example of a structural polysaccharide?

Cellulose is a structural polysaccharide found in plant cell walls.

What are peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.

What is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure and high blood sugar, related to obesity.

What is the biological significance of saturated vs. unsaturated fats?

Saturated fats can raise cholesterol levels, while unsaturated fats are considered healthier and beneficial for heart health.

What is the function of ribosomes?

Ribosomes are cellular structures that synthesize proteins by translating mRNA.

How does the body use carbohydrates during exercise?

During exercise, the body uses carbohydrates as a quick source of energy through glycolysis.

What are glucogenic amino acids?

Glucogenic amino acids can be converted into glucose through gluconeogenesis.

What is the function of insulin concerning carbohydrates?

Insulin helps regulate blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.

What are essential fatty acids?

Essential fatty acids are fatty acids that must be obtained from the diet because the body cannot synthesize them.

What is a nucleic acid hybridization?

Nucleic acid hybridization is a technique used to detect specific DNA or RNA sequences by combining complementary strands.

What is the role of the mitochondria in metabolism?

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, generating ATP through the breakdown of carbohydrates and fats.

What are the health implications of a high-protein diet?

A high-protein diet can help with weight loss but may strain the kidneys in some individuals over time.

What is the function of albumin?

Albumin is a protein in blood plasma that helps maintain osmotic pressure and transport substances.

What is a ligand?

A ligand is a molecule that binds to a protein, typically to induce a biological response.

What is the role of nucleotides in metabolism?

Nucleotides serve as energy carriers (like ATP), signaling molecules, and building blocks for nucleic acids.

What is the significance of phosphorylation in protein activity?

Phosphorylation can activate or deactivate proteins and is a key regulatory mechanism in cellular processes.