unit 1 concept 3

Question 1

List true monomers and polymers of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Answer 1

carbs: monosaccharides, polysaccharides
lipids: fatty acids, triglycerides
proteins: amino acids, polypeptides
nucleic acids: Nucleotides, Nucleic Acid

Question 2

Explain the process of polymerization—both the forming of polymers, through dehydration, and the breaking of polymers, through hydrolysis

Answer 2

Hydrolysis: breaks big polymers into small. Happens because adding water breaks bonds.

Dehydration: builds polymers by linking monomers. Happens by removing a water molecule.

Question 3

Explain the major functions of each macromolecule.

Answer 3

• Macromolecule: makes up all living things
• Carbs: short-term energy storage
• Lipids: long-term energy storage
• Proteins: Run your body. Enzymes control the rate of biochemical reactions, hormones regulate cell processes, structurally makes up bones and muscles, transport substances in and out of cell, antibodies help immune system fight diseases, movement, receptors aid in cell signaling, energy source in the food we eat
• Nucleic Acids: Informational molecules that store, transmit and hold our genetic info.

Question 4

Provide an example for each type of macromolecule.

Answer 4

• Carbs: Sweet bread
• Lipids: Canola oil
• Proteins: chicken
• Nucleic acids: (humans!) DNA and RNA

Question 5

Compare the relative energy storage of the macromolecules

Answer 5

Carbs: short term energy
Lipids: long term energy
Proteins: last resort for energy
Nucleic Acids: never break down for energy