The Importance of Carbon

The video explains the significance of carbon in organic compounds, highlighting its ability to form complex structures like macromolecules. It covers the four main types of macromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, detailing their structures, functions, and roles in living organisms. Carbohydrates are energy sources, lipids store energy and form cell membranes, proteins perform various cellular functions, and nucleic acids store genetic information. The unique properties of carbon make life possible.

What unique property of carbon allows it to form complex organic compounds?

• It has two valence electrons.

• It is a metal.

• It can form ionic bonds.

• It can form up to four covalent bonds.

Which of the following is a primary function of carbohydrates in cells?

• Catalyzing chemical reactions

• Providing structural support

• Storing genetic information

• Transporting oxygen

How do lipids compare to carbohydrates in terms of energy storage?

• Lipids do not store energy.

• Lipids and carbohydrates store the same amount of energy per gram.

• Lipids store less energy per gram than carbohydrates.

• Lipids store more energy per gram than carbohydrates.

What are proteins primarily made of?

• Fatty acids

• Nucleotides

• Amino acids

• Monosaccharides

Which macromolecule is responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information?

• Carbohydrates

• Lipids

• Proteins

• Nucleic acids