Molecules of Life. Solved Questions

1 Molecules of Life Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Instructor’s Name Course Date ©2020 Shayna C. Medley, PhD

2 Carbohydrates 1. Are carbohydrates polymers? If so, what are the monomers? If not, explain why. Carbohydrates are polymers made of recurring subunits of monosaccharides (monomers). 2. Define each of the following, and briefly describe one contribution the provided example makes to life: a. Monosaccharides: They are molecules of carbohydrates that cannot be split through hydrolysis. i. Ex: Glucose: It is the primary source of fuel in the brain and helps in creating protein. b. Disaccharides: They are double sugars created through the binding of two monosaccharides through glycosidic relationship. i. Ex: Lactose: It is an essential energy source for babies and it also helps in manufacturing pharmaceutical drugs. c. Polysaccharides: These are long chains of carbohydrate polymers comprised of numerous monosaccharides. i. Ex: cellulose: It is essential in the human diet as fiber. 3. Athletes sometimes eat meals high in carbohydrates the night before a race/game/tournament. This is called carbo-loading. Why is this useful? What kind of molecule stores that energy prior to burning it during physical activity? Note: this is only a temporary storage plan! Carbo-loading intensifies glycogen stores in tissues providing athletes with more energy. This energy is stored in the form of glycogen in muscles. Lipids 1. Are lipids polymers? If so, what are the monomers? If not, explain why. Lipids are not polymers because they have no monomer unit. 2. List and define the 2 subcategories of lipids. a. Triglycerides: they comprise 95% of lipids primarily found in cheese, milk, butter and fried foods. b. Phospholipids: They comprise two percent of lipids and they are soluble in water and they are present in both animals and plants. 3. Consider the 3 types of fats (saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated) a. Which is considered the healthiest? Why? Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats because are conducive for the health and general health. b. Which is considered the least healthy? Why? Saturated fats because they intensify cholesterol levels in the blood. 4. If you were to mix vegetable oil and water, the two will separate. ©2020 Shayna C. Medley, PhD

4 Yes. Taking chondroitin sulfate as a supplement for arthritis is essential since it improves the knees’ functions. Notably, it helps its structure fosters elasticity thus improving the functions of articular cartilage in people ailing from arthritis. Nucleic Acids: 1. Are nucleic acids polymers? If so, what are the monomers? If not, explain why. Yes. Their polymers are nucleotides. 2. Identify the 3 labeled components of the nucleotide in the image below. Also, indicate whether that component is part of the backbone or the base of the DNA molecule. a. Phosphate group b. Pentose Sugar c. Nitrogenous Base 3. List the 3 main differences between DNA and RNA a. DNA contains thymine while RNA contains Uracil b. DNA is double stranded while RNA is single stranded c. DNA has the sugar deoxyribose while RNA has the sugar ribose. ©2020 Shayna C. Medley, PhD