Biological Molecules & the Chemistry of Life

In this activity, you will be asked to answer a series of questions regarding the 4 classes of biological molecules – the building blocks of life.

In this assignment, you will recall and utilize the knowledge you have gained from this weeks reading assignments and activities to complete the following worksheet.  Please enter your responses in the spaces provided below. Be sure to implement the information you have learned in your answers to justify your explanations.

1. During the synthesis of large molecules, you have learned that water is often formed.  Where does the water molecule come from during this synthesis reaction (be specific in your explanations. Be sure to explain/demonstrate where the hydrogen and oxygen atoms come)?
Click here to enter text.
2. Although many proteins are enzymes, there are many other types of proteins in our bodies.  State 2 other types of proteins and briefly describe their role in living things.
Click here to enter text.
3. Briefly describe the importance of the twenty different types of R groups found in amino acids.
Click here to enter text.
4. Describe the four types of structures proteins assume as they are being made. In your description include how they differ based on what they are made of and how they are held together.
Click here to enter text.
5. By examining only the chemical formula of a molecule, how would you know you were looking at a carbohydrate? When answering this question, think about what a protein or lipid may look like in comparison.
Click here to enter text.
6. What is the chemical formula for glucose? Be specific.
Click here to enter text.
7. Define the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats. Specifically, identify their molecular differences.

Click here to enter text.
8. Describe the key molecular differences between lipids in general and phospholipids specifically.
Click here to enter text.
9. Where are phospholipids found in our body?
Click here to enter text.
10. How are steroids different from other lipids?  Differentiate between their structures.
Click here to enter text.
11. What is the functional role of DNA in living cells?
Click here to enter text.
12. What is the functional role of RNA in living cells?