7.01SC | Fall 2011 | Undergraduate

Fundamentals of Biology

Biochemistry

Macromolecules: Lipids, Carbohydrates, Nucleic Acid

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Session Overview

Biochem_sess3.jpg

This session will introduce the general structure and function of the biological macromolecules: lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.

Learning Objectives

  • To understand the general structure and properties of lipids and phospholipids and their function in the cell.
  • To understand the general structure and properties of carbohydrates and their function in the cell.
  • To understand the general structure and properties of nucleic acids and their function in the cell.

Session Activities

Lecture Video

Watch the lecture video excerpt

Check Yourself

Question 1

Which of the following statements is true for phospholipid molecules? 1. The polar end of phospholipids would contain carbon and phosphorous and oxygen. 2. The non-polar end of phospholipids would contain almost exclusively carbon and hydrogen. 3. The polar end of phospholipids would form hydrogen bonds with water. 4. The non-polar end of phospholipids associate with the cytoplasm of the cell.

Question 2

Which of the following statements is true for carbohydrate molecules? 1. The general structure can abbreviated as (CH2O)n. 2. A disaccharide can be formed by a condensation reaction between two glucose molecules. 3. Carbohydrates can be used as an energy source for cells. 4. Carbohydrates can be used as a structural molecule.

Session Activities

Lecture Video

Watch the lecture video excerpt

Check Yourself

Question 1

Nucleotides and nucleic acid polymers have a polarity with respect to their structure. Which of the following would be attached to the 5’ carbon of the ribose of the first nucleotide in a polymer?

Question 2

How do the monomers found in DNA differ from the monomers found in RNA? Choose all that apply. 1. DNA incorporates four different nitrogenous bases, RNA incorporates three different nitrogenous bases. 2. Thymidine is found in DNA but not RNA. 3. There is a 3’ hydroxyl on the RNA monomer, but not on the DNA monomer. 4. There is a 2’ hydroxyl on the RNA monomer, but not on the DNA monomer.

Session Activities

Help Session Video

Watch the short video of Nicole DeNisco explaining phospholipids, phosphate, and nucleic acids, that refers to Question 1 in the practice problems below.

Practice Problems

Further Study

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