OVERVIEW

The large molecules necessary for life that are built from smaller organic molecules are called

biomolecules (biological macromolecules). There are four major classes of biomolecules,

carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids which are an important component of the cell.

Combined, these molecules make up the majority of a cell’s mass. Foods you consume help to

produce these 4 biomolecules needed for a healthy life. Carbohydrates can be found in almost all

food sources and are an essential part of our diet. Lipids include a diverse group of compounds

that are united by a common feature: they are hydrophobic. Proteins are one of the most

abundant organic molecules in living systems and have the most diverse range of functions of all

macromolecules. Nucleic acids are key macromolecules in the continuity of life as they carry

instructions for the functioning of the cell via DNA.

INSTRUCTIONS

? 

Answer one set of questions

of the Carbohydrates, Lipids, or Proteins. When this assignment is complete, you would

have answered the Nucleic Acids questions and one set of questions from either the

carbohydrates or lipids or proteins.

? Save these instructions and add your answers to this document. Highlight your answers.

? Submit your assignment as a word document by browsing your computer for your saved

Word.doc by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of the assigned module/week.

CARBOHYDRATES

1a. Summarize the role and function of carbohydrates in the body.

1b. List a carbohydrate food example.

1c. Identify the differences in simple and complex carbohydrates.

1d. What are negative side effects to your body when too few carbohydrates are consumed?

1e. What are negative side effects to your body when too many carbohydrates are consumed?

1f. What is Galactosemia and discuss causes and symptoms.

1g. Discuss the role of fiber as a carbohydrate and how it effects the body.

LIPIDS

2a. Summarize the role and function of lipids in the body.

2b. List a lipid food example.

2c. What are the three main types of lipids?

2d. What are the three types of fatty acids?

2e. What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and provide examples of

each?

2f. Are Sterols lipids or fats?

2g. What are phospholipids and what is their function in cells?

PROTEINS

3a. Summarize the role and function of proteins in the body.

BIOL 101

3b. List a protein food example.

3c. What is the basic unit of proteins?

3d. What are negative side effects to your body when too little protein is consumed?

3e. What are negative side effects to your body when too much protein is consumed?

3f. How do proteins provide structural support for cells?

3g. How are proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease?

NUCLEIC ACIDS

4a. What are the monomers used to construct nucleic acids called?

4b. What are nucleotides constructed of?

4c. ATP is a very common nucleotide. Why is the bond between the second and third phosphates

in ATP so important?

4d. RNA is a nucleic acid. What is the major role of RNA?

4e. DNA is a nucleic acid. What is the major role of DNA?

4f. What are the nitrogenous bases in DNA?

4g. What are the nitrogenous bases in RNA?

4h. Why are RNA polymers much shorter than DNA strands?