1A: Biological Molecules

• What are the basic elements of carbohydrates?

  Carbon, Oxygen, Hydrogen
• Name two simple sugars

  Glucose, Fructose
• What is the primary function of carbohydrates?

  Energy source, structural support
• Define the term “monosaccharide“.


  Simple sugar unit
• Give an example of a disaccharide.


  Sucrose, Lactose
• How do plants store Carbohydrates?

  As Starch
• What is the difference between starch and cellulose?

  Starch: energy storage; Cellulose: structure
• Explain the term “glycogen”.

  Animal energy storage carbohydrate
• What is the chemical formula for glucose?

  C6H12O6
• How do humans digest carbohydrates?

  Enzymatic breakdown in gut.
• What are the main components of lipids? Fatty acids, glycerol.
• Name one function of lipids.

  Energy storage, insulation, hormones.
• Define the term “triglyceride“.

  Three fatty acids, glycerol backbone.
• Give an example of a saturated fatty acid.

  Palmitic acid, stearic acid.
• How do lipids differ from carbohydrates?

  More energy per gram.
• Explain the term “phospholipid”.

  Phosphate head, fatty acid tail.
• What role do lipids play in the cell membranes?

  Structural integrity, selective permeability.
• Define the term “cholesterol“.

  Steroid lipid in membranes.
• What are the two types of cholesterol carriers?


  HDL, LDL
• How do lipids contribute to energy storage?

  Long term energy storage molecule.
• What elements make up protein?

  Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen.
• Name two functions of proteins.

  Enzymes, structure, transport, defence.
• Define the term “amino acid”.

  Building blocks of proteins.
• Give an example of a structural protein.


  Collagen, keratin.
• How do enzymes function?

  Catalysts, lowers activation energy.
• Explain the term “polypeptides”.


  Chain of amino acids.
• What is the primary structure of a protein?


  Sequence of amino acids.
• Define the term “denaturation“.


  Protein structure disruption, heat.
• What is the role of proteins in DNA replication?

  DNA polymerase, helicase function.
• How do proteins contribute to immunity?

  Antibody production, immune response.