Introduction to Macromolecules - AP Biology
- What is the main component of plant cell walls?
- Cellulose. Strong glucose polymer provides structural support and rigidity to plants.
- What is the primary function of carbohydrates?
- Provide energy. Glucose and other sugars are broken down to release ATP for cellular processes.
- Identify the bond formed between amino acids.
- Peptide bond. Forms when the carboxyl group of one amino acid bonds to the amino group of another.
- What is the polymer of nucleotides called?
- Polynucleotide. Long chain of nucleotides linked by phosphodiester bonds.
- What are the base pairing rules for RNA?
- A-U, C-G. RNA uses uracil instead of thymine for complementary base pairing.
- What type of bond links monosaccharides together?
- Glycosidic bond. Covalent bond formed between sugar molecules during dehydration synthesis.
- Which macromolecule serves as a major source of energy for cells?
- Carbohydrates. Glucose is the preferred fuel molecule for cellular respiration.
- What is the building block of cellulose?
- Glucose. Simple sugar monomers connected by glycosidic bonds form this structural polymer.
- What are the four main types of macromolecules?
- Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids. These are the essential large biological molecules found in all living organisms.
- Identify the macromolecule formed by glycerol and fatty acids.
- Triglycerides. Energy storage lipids consisting of three fatty acid chains bonded to glycerol.
- What is a saturated fat characterized by?
- No double bonds in fatty acids. All carbon atoms in fatty acid chains have maximum hydrogen atoms.
- Which macromolecule is primarily hydrophobic?
- Lipids. Contains mostly nonpolar carbon-hydrogen bonds that repel water.
- Which macromolecule can act as hormones?
- Proteins and lipids. Chemical messengers that regulate physiology and behavior.
- What are the two types of nucleic acids?
- DNA and RNA. These polynucleotides store and transmit genetic information in cells.
- What is the monomer of nucleic acids?
- Nucleotides. Composed of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.
- What is the term for a chain of amino acids?
- Polypeptide. Linear sequence of amino acids connected by peptide bonds.
- What type of lipid is characterized by a four-ring structure?
- Steroid. Cholesterol and hormones like testosterone share this rigid carbon ring framework.
- Identify the term for a protein's three-dimensional shape.
- Tertiary structure. Overall folding pattern determines protein function and activity.
- What type of biomolecule is cholesterol?
- Lipid. Steroid molecule important for membrane fluidity and hormone synthesis.
- Identify the primary function of enzymes.
- Catalyze chemical reactions. Protein catalysts lower activation energy to speed up biochemical reactions.
- Which macromolecule stores genetic information?
- Nucleic acids. DNA and RNA contain the instructions for life and heredity.
- What is the sugar found in DNA?
- Deoxyribose. Five-carbon sugar lacking one hydroxyl group compared to ribose.
- What is the role of RNA in cells?
- Protein synthesis. Carries genetic instructions from DNA to ribosomes for protein production.
- What is the main function of phospholipids in cells?
- Form cell membranes. Create selective barriers that control what enters and exits cells.
- What is the monomer of proteins?
- Amino acids. Small organic compounds with amino and carboxyl groups that link to form proteins.
- What is an unsaturated fat characterized by?
- One or more double bonds in fatty acids. Creates kinks in fatty acid chains, affecting membrane fluidity.
- What is the role of DNA in cells?
- Store genetic information. Contains hereditary instructions passed from parents to offspring.
- What is the name of the bond between glycerol and fatty acids?
- Ester bond. Linkage formed during triglyceride synthesis via dehydration reaction.
- Which macromolecule provides structural support in insects and fungi?
- Chitin. Modified cellulose polymer containing nitrogen that strengthens exoskeletons.
- What is the functional group present in amino acids that contains nitrogen?
- Amino group. Contains nitrogen and gives amino acids their basic properties.
- Which type of macromolecule can function as enzymes?
- Proteins. Their diverse shapes allow them to catalyze biochemical reactions.
- What is the primary structural component of cell membranes?
- Phospholipids. Amphipathic molecules with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails form bilayers.
- What is the primary energy storage polysaccharide in animals?
- Glycogen. Highly branched glucose polymer stored in liver and muscle cells.
- What is the sugar found in RNA?
- Ribose. Five-carbon sugar that forms the backbone of RNA nucleotides.
- What is the primary function of triglycerides?
- Energy storage. Fats store more energy per gram than carbohydrates or proteins.
- What are the base pairing rules for DNA?
- A-T, C-G. Complementary base pairing rules for DNA double helix formation.
- What type of reaction forms macromolecules by linking monomers?
- Dehydration synthesis. Removes water molecules to join monomers together into polymers.
- Identify the process that breaks down macromolecules into monomers.
- Hydrolysis. Adds water molecules to break bonds between monomers in polymers.