IB Biology - Carbohydrates and Lipids Review

Front

What is the structure of glucose?

Back

Glucose is a six-carbon sugar (hexose) with the molecular formula C6H12O6. It has a ring structure in aqueous solutions.

Front

Why can't glucose diffuse through the phospholipid bilayer?

Back

Glucose is polar and therefore hydrophilic, which prevents it from diffusing through the hydrophobic core of the phospholipid bilayer.

Front

What is the primary function of carbohydrates in living organisms?

Back

Carbohydrates serve as a primary energy source and are involved in structural functions in cells.

Front

What is cellulose and its role in plants?

Back

Cellulose is a polysaccharide that provides structural support to plant cell walls.

Front

What are the two main types of carbohydrates?

Back

The two main types of carbohydrates are simple carbohydrates (sugars) and complex carbohydrates (starches and fibers).

Front

What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?

Back

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

Front

What is a cis unsaturated fatty acid?

Back

A cis unsaturated fatty acid has hydrogen atoms on the same side of the double bond, causing a bend in the fatty acid chain.

Front

What is the role of amylopectin in plants?

Back

Amylopectin is a form of starch that serves as an energy storage molecule in plants.

Front

What is the significance of hydrogen bonds in glucose?

Back

Hydrogen bonds allow glucose to interact with protein channels for absorption in the small intestine.

Front

What is the molecular formula for carbohydrates?

Back

The general molecular formula for carbohydrates is (CH2O)n, where n is the number of carbon atoms.