Biological molecules, monomers and polymers

• What is the significance of carbon in life?

  Carbon chemistry is the basis of all life
• What are the four main types of biological molecules?

  Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids
• What do carbohydrates contain?

  Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
• How do lipids differ from carbohydrates in structure?

  They have the same elements but different arrangements
• What additional elements do proteins contain besides carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen?

  Nitrogen and sometimes sulfur
• What do nucleic acids contain that proteins do not?

  Phosphorus
• What is the definition of a monomer?

  A single building block of a polymer
• What is a polymer?

  A long chain of repeating monomers
• What are monosaccharides and polysaccharides?

  Monosaccharides are single sugars; polysaccharides are chains
• What are the monomers of proteins called?

  Amino acids
• What are the polymers of amino acids called?

  Polypeptides
• What are the monomers of nucleic acids?

  Nucleotides
• How do lipids differ from other biological macromolecules?

  They are not made of repeating monomers
• What is a triglyceride composed of?

  Glycerol and three fatty acids
• What is a condensation reaction?

  Joining monomers to form a polymer with water removal
• What is a hydrolysis reaction?

  Breaking down polymers into monomers with water addition
• What happens during a condensation reaction?

  A water molecule is formed when monomers bond
• What is the role of water in hydrolysis reactions?

  Water is added to break bonds between monomers
• What are the key differences between condensation and hydrolysis reactions?

  • Condensation: Joins monomers, forms water
  • Hydrolysis: Breaks down polymers, requires water
• How do biological molecules relate to the concept of macromolecules?

  • Biological molecules are often large
  • They are composed of many atoms
  • Macromolecules are large molecules formed from smaller units
• What is the significance of carbon in biological molecules?

  • Forms the backbone of organic molecules
  • Allows for complex structures and diversity
  • Essential for life on Earth
• What are the four types of biological molecules and their functions?

  1. Carbohydrates: Energy and structure
  2. Lipids: Energy storage and membranes
  3. Proteins: Structure, enzymes, and signaling
  4. Nucleic acids: Genetic information storage
• What is the role of monomers and polymers in biological systems?

  • Monomers are building blocks
  • Polymers are formed from monomers
  • Essential for structure and function in organisms
• How do condensation and hydrolysis reactions contribute to metabolism?

  • Condensation builds macromolecules
  • Hydrolysis breaks down macromolecules
  • Both are essential for energy and growth