Biomolecules

Define a biomolecule and describe its general role in living organisms.

Distinguish a monomer from a polymer using a biological example.

Model dehydration synthesis as the removal of water to join smaller molecules.

Model hydrolysis as the addition of water to split a larger molecule.

Relate monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides as increasingly larger forms of carbohydrates.

Connect common carbohydrates to immediate energy, energy storage, or structural support in organisms.

Identify glycerol and fatty acids as the components used to build common lipids such as triglycerides.

Connect common lipids to long-term energy storage, insulation, protection, and cell membranes.

Identify amino acids as the monomers used to build proteins.

Model the formation of a short protein chain from amino acids through dehydration synthesis.

Explain how a protein’s three-dimensional shape affects its function.

Match enzymes, antibodies, transport proteins, and structural proteins to their biological functions.

Identify the sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base in a nucleotide.

Distinguish the basic biological roles of DNA and RNA.

Classify an unknown biomolecule as a carbohydrate, lipid, protein, or nucleic acid by using clues about its building blocks and functions.

Recognize simplified diagrams of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Determine whether dehydration synthesis or hydrolysis is occurring in a molecular-building diagram.

Write a short exam response that connects a biomolecule’s building block, larger form, and biological function.