Download UNIT 4: Chapter 6.1 Yellow Box Questions AK

Name: ____________________
UNIT 4: Chapter 6.1 Yellow Box Questions AK
1. Define macromolecule, and what are the four categories of macromolecules?
A macromolecule is a large, complex assembly of organic molecules. The four
categories of macromolecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic
acids
2. Name and describe and draw the process that builds macromolecules.
The process that builds macromolecules is called dehydration synthesis. To
form a covalent bond between two sub-unit molecules, an -0H (hydroxyl)
group is removed from one sub-unit and a hydrogen atom is removed from the
other sub-unit. This chemical reaction is known as DEHYDRATION SYNTHESIS
because removing the –OH group and H atom during the synthesis of a new
biological molecule essentially removes a molecule of water (H2O).
3. Name and describe and draw the process that breaks down macromolecules.
Cells disassemble macromolecules into their component sub-units by
performing a chemical reaction that is basically the reverse of dehydration
synthesis. In this reaction, called HYDROLYSIS, a molecule of water s added
instead of removed. During a hydrolysis reaction, a hydrogen atom from
water is attached to one sub-unit and the hydroxyl group is bonded to another
sub-unit, effectively breaking a covalent bond in a macromolecule.
4. Identify two types of carbohydrates and name the subunits that make up
each type.
Carbohydrates function to provide short-term and long-term energy storage
for organisms.
Monosaccharides = have one single sugar subunit; ex. glucose
Polysaccharides = composed of many single subunits (monosachharides); ex.
starch
5. Identify the subunits that make up fats.
The subunits of lipids are glycerol and fatty acids.
6. What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?
A saturated fatty acid does not have double covalent bonds between its carbon
atoms, so it contains all the hydrogen atoms it can bond with. An unsaturated
fatty acid has double bonds between some of its carbon atoms, leaving room
Name: ____________________
for additional hydrogen atoms. Unsaturated fatty acids cause the resulting fat
to be liquid at room temperature. Saturated fatty acids usually cause the
resulting fat to be solid at room temperature.
7. What are the subunits of proteins?
Amino acids are the subunits of a protein molecule.
8. Explain why proteins are more structurally and functionally diverse than
carbohydrates and lipids.
A strand of amino acids must undergo additional changes before it becomes a
protein. Different amino acids along the strand attract and repel each other,
and this causes the strand to coil and twist as the amino acids are drawn
towards or pushed away from one another. It is the final shape that
determines its function.
9. What is an enzyme?
A catalyst is a chemical that speeds up a chemical reaction but is not used up
in the reaction. An enzyme is a protein molecule that acts as a catalyst to
increase the rate of a reaction.
10. How can an enzyme speed up the rate of a chemical reaction?
You can speed up the reaction rate by increasing the temperature or
increasing the concentration of substrates.
11. Describe how temperature and pH affect the action of enzymes.
Enzymes need specific pH levels and temperatures to run optimally. If temps
are too low or high the enzyme may not function as its bonds can be weak and
the enzyme can denature.