pH & Buffers
Each 1-unit change on the pH scale represents what change in hydrogen ion concentration?
A 10-fold change in hydrogen ion concentration
What property allows carbon to form complex biological molecules?
Carbon can form 4 covalent bonds
What is the primary function of carbohydrates in cells?
Energy / cellular fuel (glucose → ATP)
What molecules are the monomers of proteins?
amino acids
Which type of protein is water-soluble and performs active cellular functions?
Globular proteins
A decrease in pH indicates what change in acidity?
acidity increases (more H⁺ present)
What process builds macromolecules by removing water?
Dehydration synthesis
What are the monomers (building blocks) of carbohydrates called?
Monosaccharides
What type of bond links amino acids together?
Peptide bond
Which type of protein provides structural support?
Fibrous protein
What is the main function of buffers in biological systems?
Maintain pH homeostasis / prevent sudden pH changes
What process breaks macromolecules apart using water?
Hydrolysis
Name the two components that make up triglycerides.
Glycerol + fatty acids
Which level of protein structure refers to the amino acid sequence?
Primary structure
Name one example of a fibrous protein.
collagen, keratin, elastin, actin, myosin
What do buffers release when the pH becomes too basic?
Buffers release hydrogen ions
What type of reaction joins glucose and fructose to form sucrose?
Dehydration synthesis reaction
Why are phospholipids important to cells?
They form the plasma membrane (phospholipid bilayer)
Which level of structure forms alpha helices and beta sheets?
secondary structure
Name one example of a globular protein.
antibodies, hemoglobin, enzymes, hormones
Describe what buffers do when a solution becomes too acidic.
They bind/remove hydrogen ions, which raises pH back toward normal
What element forms the backbone of organic molecules?
carbon
Compare polysaccharides and triglycerides in terms of biological function.
polysaccharides are short term energy release while triglycerides are long term energy storage.
What protein structure level involves multiple polypeptide chains?
quaternary structure
What shape type describes fibrous proteins?
strand like, elongated, role like