Lecture 5

• What is the main focus of Lecture 1 in the Foundations of Biological Sciences course?

  The structure, properties, and occurrence of Carbohydrates and Lipids in biological systems
• What are biological molecules primarily composed of?

  Polymers of simpler units
• What type of reactions are condensation and hydrolysis?

  Chemical reactions that involve the formation and splitting of water
• How do the properties of biopolymers relate to their primary components?

  The properties are determined by the types of monomers and their arrangement
• What is the SI unit for the amount of a substance?

  The mole (mol)
• How many particles are in one mole of a substance?

  1. 022 x 10²³ particles
• What is the atomic weight of carbon?

  12 grams per mole
• What is a molar solution?

  A solution containing one mole of solute in one liter of solution
• How much sodium chloride is needed for a 1 molar solution?

  58.5 grams of NaCl in 1 liter of water
• What are covalent bonds?

  Bonds formed when atoms share a pair of electrons
• How do ionic bonds form?

  By the attraction between oppositely charged ions
• What are hydrogen bonds?

  Weak bonds formed between polar molecules
• What are Van der Waals forces?

  Weak attractions between temporary dipoles in non-polar molecules
• What are biological macromolecules primarily composed of?

  Polymers formed from chains of similar molecules (monomers)
• What is the difference between condensation and hydrolysis reactions?

  Condensation forms water, while hydrolysis splits water
• What are carbohydrates primarily made of?

  Polymers of monosaccharides
• What are the three types of carbohydrates?

  Monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides
• What is the formula for glucose?

  C₆H₁₂O₆
• How do the structures of α-glucose and β-glucose differ?

  They differ in the position of the terminal hydroxyl (OH) groups
• What is starch and how is it formed?

  Starch is an insoluble α-glucose polymer formed by condensation reactions
• What is glycogen?

  An insoluble α-glucose polymer found in animal cells
• What is cellulose and its structure?

  Cellulose is a polysaccharide with straight, unbranched chains of β-glucose
• What role does cellulose play in plants?

  It provides rigidity and resistance to stretching in plant cell walls
• What are the roles of lipids?

  Energy storage, waterproofing, insulation, and protection
• What is the general structure of triglycerides?

  One glycerol molecule linked to three fatty acids
• How do saturated and unsaturated fatty acids differ?

  Unsaturated fatty acids contain double bonds in their hydrocarbon chains
• What are phospholipids composed of?

  One fatty acid replaced by a phosphate group
• What is the significance of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts of phospholipids?

  They create a bilayer structure in cell membranes
• What are the key learning outcomes of the lecture on Biological Molecules?

  • State that many biological molecules are polymers of simpler units and give examples
  • Describe condensation and hydrolysis reactions
  • Relate the properties of biopolymers to their primary components
• What are the types of chemical bonds discussed in the lecture?

  1. Covalent Bonds
  2. Ionic Bonds
  3. Hydrogen Bonds
  4. Van der Waals Forces
• What are the differences between triglycerides and phospholipids?

  • Triglycerides: 1 glycerol + 3 fatty acids
  • Phospholipids: 1 glycerol + 2 fatty acids + 1 phosphate group
• What are the roles of carbohydrates and lipids in biological systems?

  • Carbohydrates: Energy storage, structural components
  • Lipids: Energy storage, waterproofing, insulation, protection
• What are the types of carbohydrates and their characteristics?

  • Monosaccharides: Simple sugars (e.g., glucose)
  • Disaccharides: Two monosaccharides (e.g., sucrose)
  • Polysaccharides: Long chains of monosaccharides (e.g., starch, glycogen)
• What is the significance of the structure of cellulose in plants?

  • Major component of plant cell walls
  • Provides rigidity and resistance to stretching
  • Allows for growth and flexibility
• What are the properties of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

  • Saturated: No double bonds, solid at room temperature
  • Unsaturated: One or more double bonds, liquid at room temperature
• How do the properties of triglycerides and phospholipids affect their functions?

  • Triglycerides: Energy storage
  • Phospholipids: Form cell membranes due to hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties
• What is the role of glycogen in animals?

  • Glycogen serves as a storage form of glucose for energy
• What is the importance of glucose in biological systems?

  • Glucose is a primary energy source for cells
• What is the significance of the structure of starch in plants?

  • Starch is an insoluble polymer of α-glucose, useful for energy storage
• What is the role of carbohydrates in plant resistance to drought?

  • Carbohydrates contribute to the structural integrity and resilience of plants