Unit 1: Topic 5 - Structure and Function of Biological Macromolecules

Question 1

Describe the structure of DNA (be specific!)

Answer 1

DNA consists of two strands, with each strand having a 5’ phosphate and 3’ hydroxyl end. These two strands form an antiparallel double helix, with the two strands running in opposite 5’ 3’ directions. The 5’ end of one strand matches the 3’ end of the other strand. Each strand has adenine, cytosine, thymine, and guanine nucleotides that pair with the nucleotides on the other strand. Adenine pairs with thymine, and guanine binds with cytosine.

Question 2

During DNA and RNA synthesis, how are nucleotides added?

Answer 2

During DNA and RNA synthesis, nucleotides are added to the 3’ growing strand, which creates a covalent bond between the nucleotides.

Question 3

How many bonds form between adenine and thymine and between cytosine and guanine?

Answer 3

Adenine and thymine form two hydrogen bonds, and cytosine and guanine form three hydrogen bonds.

Question 4

What is the primary structure of a protein?

Answer 4

The primary structure of a protein is the sequence of amino acids of the protein.
Example of the primary structure of a protein:

Question 5

What is the secondary structure of a protein?

Answer 5

The secondary structure of a protein results from the partial folding of the protein and contains B-pleated sheets and A helices.
Example of the secondary structure of a protein:

Question 6

What is the tertiary structure of a protein?

Answer 6

The tertiary structure of a protein is the protein’s complete three-dimensional structure.
Example of the tertiary structure of a protein:

Question 7

What is the quaternary structure of a protein?

Answer 7

The quaternary structure is when multiple polypeptide chains interact.
Example of the quaternary structure of a protein:

Question 8

How are amino acids connected in proteins?

Answer 8

Peptide bonds form between the amino terminus of one amino acid and the carboxyl terminus of another.

Question 9

What are carbohydrate monomers linked by?

Answer 9

Covalent Bonds

Question 10

Polysaccharides, carbohydrate polymers, may either be _____ or _______

Answer 10

Polysaccharides may either be branched or linear. A linear polysaccharide has a straight chain of monosaccharides, while a branched polysaccharide is branched.

Question 11

Is glycogen a branched or linear polysaccharide?

Answer 11

It is a branched polysaccharide

Question 12

Is cellulose a branched or linear polysaccharide?

Answer 12

It is a linear polysaccharide

Question 13

Is starch a branched or linear polysaccharide?

Answer 13

It is a linear polysaccharide