Checking Your Understanding: Macromolecules

Front

What are macromolecules?

Back

Large, complex molecules essential for life, including proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Front

What is the function of enzymes?

Back

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy.

Front

What is activation energy?

Back

The minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.

Front

What is the optimum pH for enzyme activity?

Back

The pH at which an enzyme is most active; varies for different enzymes.

Front

What are the four main types of macromolecules?

Back

Proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Front

What is the role of DNA?

Back

DNA stores genetic information and provides instructions for protein synthesis.

Front

What is transcription?

Back

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Front

What are the base pairing rules in DNA?

Back

Adenine pairs with Thymine (A-T) and Cytosine pairs with Guanine (C-G).

Front

What are the RNA bases?

Back

Adenine (A), Uracil (U), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G).

Front

What is a complementary DNA strand?

Back

A DNA strand that pairs with another strand according to base pairing rules.