b1.1 carbs and lipids Flashcards
(40 cards)
How many and what type of bonds can carbon form?
Four covalent bonds, allowing diverse structures.
What causes covalent bonds, and what are their consequences?
- Cause: Electron sharing between atoms.
- Consequence: Stable molecules essential for life.
What are common functional groups in biological molecules?
Hydroxyl (-OH), carboxyl (-COOH), amino (-NH₂), phosphate (-PO₄).
What is a monomer?
A small molecular unit that joins to form polymers.
What are the four major classes of carbon compounds in living organisms?
Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids.
Example molecules of different carbon structures?
- Branched: Isoprene
- Unbranched: Fatty acids
- Single ring: Glucose
- Multiple rings: Steroids
What is a polymer?
A long chain of monomers bonded together.
What is a condensation reaction?
Monomers link, releasing water in the process.
What role does ATP play in condensation reactions?
Provides energy for macromolecule synthesis.
Examples of condensation reactions?
- Polysaccharides: Glucose monomers link
- Polypeptides: Amino acids link
- Nucleic acids: Nucleotide monomers link
Hydrolysis reactions in digestion?
- Polysaccharides → Monosaccharides
- Proteins → Amino acids
- Nucleic acids → Nucleotides
What is hydrolysis?
Breaks polymers into monomers by adding water.
What is a monosaccharide?
A single sugar molecule, e.g., glucose.
How to identify pentose & hexose sugars?
- Pentose (5 carbons): Ribose
- Hexose (6 carbons): Glucose
Key properties of glucose?
Soluble, easily transported, stable, high energy yield upon oxidation.
What is a polysaccharide?
A polymer of many sugar molecules (e.g., starch, glycogen).
Compare amylose, amylopectin, and glycogen
Amylose：（Unbranched, slow energy release）
Amylopectin：（Branched, faster energy release）
Glycogen：（Highly branched, rapid energy availability）
Why are polysaccharide coils/branches beneficial?
Compact storage & faster breakdown.
How does condensation/hydrolysis affect energy stores?
- Condensation builds storage
- Hydrolysis mobilizes energy
Difference between alpha-glucose & beta-glucose?
- Alpha: Hydroxyl group below carbon 1
- Beta: Hydroxyl group above carbon 1
Structure of cellulose microfibrils?
Beta-glucose chains linked by hydrogen bonds, forming strong fibers.
How does cellulose strengthen plant cell walls?
Provides rigidity & resistance to pressure.
Example function of a glycoprotein?
Cell signaling & immune recognition (e.g., antibodies).
Structure of A, B & O blood glycoproteins?
Different carbohydrate markers on red blood cells.
