cell structure and biochemistry

Question 1

what are proteins?

Answer 1

composed of amino acids
amino groups: NH2
side chain: R
carbonyl group: COOH

Question 2

what are the functions of proteins?

Answer 2

enzymes, defence, transport, support, regulation of DNA expression

Question 3

What are amino acids?

Answer 3

chiral, naturally occurring, consist of L-amino acids, 20 naturally occurring amino acids

Question 4

What are some examples of the side chains of amino acids?

Answer 4

alkyl (glycine, alanine, valine)
hydroxyl (threonine)
acidic/ amine (asparagine)
basic (lysine, arginine)
sulphur (cysteine)
aromatic (phenylalanine)

Question 5

how are amino acids joined together?

Answer 5

peptide bonds, disulphide bridges, dipeptides

Question 6

what is hydrolysis?

Answer 6

when polymers are broken down into monomers

Question 7

what is the difference between a monosaccharide and a polysaccharide?

Answer 7

monosaccharides are simple single unit sugars. polysaccharides are large chains of monosaccharides joined together

Question 8

what bond forms between 2 monosaccharides?

Answer 8

glycosidic

Question 9

how do alpha glucose units link together and what are they used for?

Answer 9

alpha 1-4 and alpha 1-6 glycosidic linkages for storage

Question 10

what are lipids?

Answer 10

large molecules that do not form polymers. they are hydrophobic and form covalent bonds.

Question 11

what is a triglyceride and what is its purpose?

Answer 11

1 glycerol + 3 fatty acids
used for insulation

Question 12

what is a phospholipid and what is its purpose?

Answer 12

1 glycerol + 2 fatty acids + 1 phosphate group
it has a polar head and non-polar tail so it can form a bilayer

Question 13

name the components of a eukaryotic cell and their function:

Answer 13

• Nucleus: contains DNA
  -Vacuole: storage and transport
  -Lysosomes: digestion of macromolecules
  -Mitochondria: ATP production
  -Smooth endoplasmic reticulum: synthesises lipids, metabolises carbohydrates
  -Rough endoplasmic reticulum: secretes glycoprotein
  -Plasma membrane: separates cell from external environment and controls what enters and exits the cell.
  -Golgi apparatus: modifies and sorts lipids and proteins
  -Cytoplasm: provides cell structure
  -Ribosomes: protein synthesis
  -Cell wall: protection , support
  -Cytoskeleton: maintains cells shape and secures organelles in specific positions