Introduction to Biomolecules

Question 1

What four major elements form the human body?

Answer 1

Composed of four major elements:
* Carbon: 50%
* Oxygen: 20%
* Hydrogen: 10%
* Nitrogen: 8.5%

Question 2

Percentages of each biomolecule in the human body

Answer 2

Question 3

What are the major biomolecules?

Answer 3

• DNA
• RNA
• Proteins
• Polysaccharides
• Lipids

Question 4

What is the monomeric form of DNA?

Answer 4

Deoxynucleotide

Question 5

What is the function of DNA?

Answer 5

Responsible for carrying and transmitting the hereditary materials or the genetic instructions from parents to offsprings

Question 6

What is the monomeric form of RNA?

Answer 6

Ribonucleotide

Question 7

What is the function of RNA?

Answer 7

Enables the synthesis of proteins

Question 8

What is the monomeric form of proteins?

Answer 8

Amino acids

Question 9

What are the functions of proteins?

Answer 9

Proteins have a number of functional roles. Examples:
* Oxygen transport
* Enzymes
* Antibodies
* Structural proteins
* Contractile proteins

Question 10

What is the monomeric form of polysaccharides?

Answer 10

Glucose

Question 11

What is the major fucntion of polysaccharides?

Answer 11

Short-term storage of energy

Question 12

What is the monomeric form of lipids?

Answer 12

Fatty acids

Question 13

What are the major functions of lipids?

Answer 13

Membrane components
Long-term energy storage as triacylglycerols

Question 14

What disorders are associated with each types of biomolecule?

Answer 14

Nucleic acid > Genetic diseases
Proteins > Sickle Cell Anemia
Lipids > Atherosclerosis
Carbohydrates > Diabetes Mellitus

Question 15

How much of the human body is composed of water?

Answer 15

72-78%

70% of water intrecellularly and 30% extracellularly

Question 16

What are aquaporins (AQPs)?

Answer 16

Aquaporins are channels which enable water to cross the hydrophobic cell membrane

They occur commonly in RBCs