Unit 1: Macromolecules & Enzymes & Cells

Front

What are macromolecules?

Back

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

Front

What is the function of enzymes?

Back

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in cells by lowering the activation energy required.

Front

What are the four main types of macromolecules?

Back

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

Front

What are monosaccharides?

Back

Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar molecules like glucose and fructose.

Front

What are lipids?

Back

Lipids are a group of hydrophobic organic molecules, including fats, oils, and waxes, that are important for energy storage and cell membrane structure.

Front

What are nucleic acids?

Back

Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are macromolecules that store and transmit genetic information.

Front

What is the optimum pH for enzyme activity?

Back

The optimum pH is the pH at which an enzyme's activity is highest; for many enzymes, this is around neutral pH (6.6-7.4).

Front

What are proteins made of?

Back

Proteins are made of amino acids, which are linked together by peptide bonds.

Front

What role do carbohydrates play in living organisms?

Back

Carbohydrates provide energy, serve as structural components, and are involved in cell recognition.

Front

What is the structure of DNA?

Back

DNA is a double helix composed of two strands of nucleotides, which include a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.