Macromolecules for AP Bio

Front

What are the four main types of macromolecules found in living organisms?

Back

Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids.

Front

What is the primary function of proteins in biological systems?

Back

Proteins serve as enzymes, structural components, signaling molecules, and play roles in immune response.

Front

What distinguishes saturated fats from unsaturated fats?

Back

Saturated fats have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fats contain one or more double bonds.

Front

What is a polypeptide?

Back

A polypeptide is a chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, which folds into a functional protein.

Front

What is hydrolysis in the context of macromolecules?

Back

Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction that breaks down polymers into monomers by adding water.

Front

How do the structures of linoleic acid and palmitic acid differ?

Back

Linoleic acid has double bonds in its carbon chain, while palmitic acid is fully saturated with no double bonds.

Front

What role do lipids play in biological membranes?

Back

Lipids, particularly phospholipids, form the bilayer structure of cell membranes, providing barrier and fluidity.

Front

What is the significance of carbon-carbon double bonds in fatty acids?

Back

Carbon-carbon double bonds create kinks in the fatty acid chains, affecting their physical state and properties.

Front

What is the process of protein synthesis?

Back

Protein synthesis involves transcription of DNA to mRNA and translation of mRNA to form a polypeptide chain.

Front

What are enzymes and how do they function?

Back

Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions by lowering activation energy.