Concept Checks for Human Biology
Organizing Questions: What kinds of molecules are living things made of? What role does each type of molecule play in the cell? In the body?
1. What is an organic molecule?
2. List the four classes of organic macromolecules that are found in all cells.
3. Describe the processes by which the organic molecules are assembled and disassembled.
Use (and define) the following terms in your answer: monomer, polymer, anabolic, catabolic, dehydration synthesis, and hydrolysis. Be sure to include the general equations for the reactions involved, making reference to the specific part that water plays in each type of reaction.
4. Complete the table below to summarize your
understanding of biochemistry.
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Name of Polymer |
Name of Monomer(s) | What Chemical Elements Are Present? |
Functions |
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5. Compare the structure of simple and complex carbohydrates.
6. Compare the structures of the 3 classes of lipids: fats, phospholipids, and steroids.
7. State the function of each class of lipids.
8. Explain the difference between RNA and DNA.
9. Summarize the role of ATP in cellular reactions.
10. Describe the structure of an amino acid.
11. Explain how amino acids are combined to form proteins. In your answer, describe:
a. Where the information comes from for how to build the thousands of different proteins found in our cells
b. How that information is used to create a disposable copy of the genetic information
c. How mRNA is used to direct the synthesis of protein
12. Summarize the four levels of protein structure.
13. Explain how enzymes are important to living cells.