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Module 1: Chemistry of life and cells
Quick questions on Chemistry of life and biological molecules - MA High School Biology MCAS Module 1
6short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What are carbohydrates?Show answer
The subunit is a monosaccharide (a simple sugar such as glucose). Two joined make a disaccharide; many joined make a polysaccharide. Carbohydrates store readily available energy (starch in plants, glycogen in animals) and provide structure (cellulose in plant cell walls).
What are lipids?Show answer
Lipids (fats, oils, and phospholipids) are not built from one repeating monomer, but many are assembled from glycerol and fatty acids. They store energy at high density, cushion and insulate the body, and, as phospholipids, form the cell membrane. Lipids are largely nonpolar, so they do not mix with water, which is exactly why a phospholipid bilayer makes a good barrier.
What are proteins?Show answer
The subunit is the amino acid; there are about 20 kinds. A chain of amino acids (a polypeptide) folds into a specific three-dimensional shape. Proteins are the workhorses of the cell: enzymes that speed reactions, antibodies that defend the body, receptors and transport proteins in membranes, and structural fibers such as collagen and keratin.
What are nucleic acids?Show answer
The subunit is the nucleotide (a phosphate group, a five-carbon sugar, and a nitrogenous base). DNA stores the genetic information, and RNA helps carry it out. These are covered in detail in DNA structure and replication.
What is q1?Show answer
Identify the building block (subunit) of a protein and of a carbohydrate. [2]
What is q2?Show answer
Explain why carbon is the central element of biological molecules. [2]
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