Macromolecules

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What are macromolecules?

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Macromolecules are large, complex molecules that are essential for life. They include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

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What are the four major types of macromolecules?

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The four major types of macromolecules are carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Front

What is the primary function of carbohydrates?

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Carbohydrates provide energy and serve as structural components in cells.

Front

What are proteins made of?

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Proteins are made of amino acids, which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen (C, H, O, N).

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What is the role of lipids in biological systems?

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Lipids serve as energy storage, structural components of cell membranes, and signaling molecules.

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What distinguishes nucleic acids from other macromolecules?

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Nucleic acids are distinguished by their nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine) and phosphate groups.

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What is the secondary structure of a protein?

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The secondary structure of a protein refers to the local folded structures that form within a polypeptide due to hydrogen bonding, such as alpha helices and beta sheets.

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What are phospholipids and their significance?

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Phospholipids are a type of lipid that have hydrophilic (water-attracting) heads and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails, crucial for forming cell membranes.

Front

What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?

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

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What is the function of enzymes?

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Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in the body.