Biological Molecules: End of Year Recap Questions

Front

How does the structure of haemoglobin relate to its function?

Back

Haemoglobin's structure allows it to bind and transport oxygen efficiently.

Front

The role of hydrogen bonding in the secondary structure of proteins is:

Back

To stabilize the alpha-helix and beta-sheet structures

Front

Structural differences between amylose and amylopectin and their functional implications.

Back

Amylose is a linear polymer of glucose, while amylopectin is branched; amylose is less soluble and slower to digest, while amylopectin is more soluble and rapidly digested.

Front

How does the structure of cellulose differ from that of starch, and why is cellulose suited for its role in plant cell walls?

Back

Cellulose has β(1→4) glycosidic bonds forming straight chains, making it strong and rigid, while starch has α(1→4) and α(1→6) bonds forming helical, branched structures.

Front

Why are triglycerides insoluble in water, and how does this property benefit organisms?

Back

Because they are nonpolar and this allows them to store energy efficiently without dissolving in body fluids.

Front

Phospholipids contribute to the fluidity of cell membranes by:

Back

allowing lateral movement of molecules

Front

Why is the primary structure of a protein critical for its overall three-dimensional shape?

Back

It determines the sequence of amino acids, which dictates folding and function.

Front

The structure of a DNA molecule enables it to replicate accurately because:

Back

The double helix structure allows complementary base pairing, ensuring accurate replication.

Front

What is the importance of the ratio of hydrogen to oxygen atoms in carbohydrates, and how does this differentiate them from lipids?

Back

Carbohydrates have a 2:1 hydrogen to oxygen ratio, similar to water, while lipids have a much higher ratio of hydrogen to oxygen.

Front

How do double bonds in unsaturated fatty acids affect their physical properties?

Back

Decreasing their melting point