Biological Molecules

• Biological molecules include, carbohydrates, proteins and fats
• Biological molecules are eaten and digested by hydrolysis reactions
• Biological molecules are large and insoluble and need to be broken down to be able to be transported around the body, in the blood.
• Carbohydrates can be converted to glucose
• Proteins can be converted to amino acids
• Fats can be converted to FA and glycerol
• What are the three types of carbohydrates mentioned?

  Monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides
• What are the three examples of monosaccharides listed?

  Glucose, fructose, and galactose
• What is a disaccharide?

  A disaccharide is formed when two monosaccharides are joined together by a glycosidic bond.
• What is the process called when two monosaccharides join to form a disaccharide?

  Condensation reaction
• What is the byproduct of a condensation reaction?

  Water
• How can disaccharides be broken down into monosaccharides?

  By hydrolysis reaction
• What are the three examples of disaccharides mentioned?

  Maltose, sucrose, and lactose
• What is a hydrolysis reaction?

  A hydrolysis reaction is the breakdown of a larger molecule into smaller molecules by the addition of water.
• What is the structure of polysaccharides?

  Polysaccharides are large polymers of glucose formed by condensation reactions of monosaccharides.
• What are the functions of polysaccharides?

  They function as storage or structural molecules.
• What is cellulose and where is it found?

  Cellulose is found in the cell wall of plants.
• What is the structure of cellulose?

  Cellulose is made of many beta glucose molecules joined together by condensation reactions to form long straight chains.
• How do hydrogen bonds contribute to cellulose's structure?

  Hydrogen bonds join adjacent chains, producing a 3D structure known as microfibril.
• What is the shape of starch molecules?

  Starch has a helical shape.
• Why is starch considered an ideal storage molecule?

  Starch is insoluble, so it doesn't draw water into the cell by osmosis.
• What is glycogen and where is it stored?

  Glycogen is the storage carbohydrate found in the cytoplasm of animal cells.
• How does the structure of glycogen differ from starch?

  Glycogen has a branched structure, while starch has long, branched chains.
• What is the role of glycogen in animal cells?

  Glycogen provides a large surface area for quick hydrolysis to release glucose for respiration.
• What are the key differences between monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides?

  • Monosaccharides: Single sugars, basic units of carbohydrates (e.g., glucose, fructose).
  • Disaccharides: Formed from two monosaccharides (e.g., sucrose, lactose).
  • Polysaccharides: Large polymers of monosaccharides (e.g., starch, cellulose).
• What are the structural adaptations of cellulose?

  • Made of long straight chains of beta glucose.
  • Chains held together by hydrogen bonds.
  • Forms microfibrils and macrofibrils for rigidity.
• What are the structural adaptations of starch?

  • Made of branched chains of alpha glucose.
  • Insoluble, preventing osmotic pressure.
  • Helical structure for compact storage.
• What are the structural adaptations of glycogen?

  • Branched structure for increased surface area.
  • Insoluble, preventing osmotic pressure.
  • Large molecule remains within the cell.
• What is the significance of glycosidic bonds in carbohydrates?

  • Join monosaccharides to form disaccharides and polysaccharides.
  • Broken during hydrolysis to release monosaccharides.
• What is the process of hydrolysis in carbohydrates?

  • Breakdown of larger carbohydrates into smaller units.
  • Involves the addition of water.
  • Can be catalyzed by acids or enzymes.
• Why can't a formula for starch be written?

  • Starch consists of many glucose molecules.
  • The number of glucose molecules varies due to continuous reactions.