which of the following is not a way that fats are used in living things?
to give plants rigidity
As chemical messengers
As parts of biological membranes
To store energy
Explain
The option that is not a way fats are used in living things is "to give plants rigidity."
Fats, also called lipids, have various important functions in living organisms.
1. Fats are used as a source of energy in the form of adipose tissue. The body stores excess energy from food intake in the form of fat molecules, which can be later broken down and used for fuel when needed.
2. Fats serve as structural components of biological membranes. Phospholipids, a type of lipid, form the lipid bilayer of cell membranes, helping to maintain the integrity and fluidity of cell membranes.
3. Fats function as chemical messengers. Hormones, such as steroid hormones like estrogen and testosterone, are synthesized from cholesterol, a type of lipid. These hormones act as chemical messengers in various physiological processes.
However, giving plants rigidity is not a function of fats. Plants have a cell wall composed of cellulose, which provides rigidity and support to plant cells. Lipids, including fats, do not contribute to this rigidity.
which of the following is not true about lipids?
Lipids are made up of fatty acids and glycerol
Lipids are macromolecules
Lipids are fats and oils
Lipids are polymers
Explain
The statement that is not true about lipids is "Lipids are polymers."
Lipids are a diverse group of biomolecules that are characterized by their insolubility in water (hydrophobic nature). Lipids are made up of two components: fatty acids and glycerol. Fatty acids are long hydrocarbon chains with a carboxyl group at one end, while glycerol is a three-carbon molecule with hydroxyl groups. When fatty acids combine with glycerol through condensation reactions, they form triglycerides, which are a type of lipid commonly known as fats and oils.
Lipids are considered macromolecules due to their relatively large size and complex structures. However, unlike proteins and nucleic acids, which are polymers made up of repeating subunits (amino acids and nucleotides, respectively), lipids do not have a defined repeating unit or a specific polymer structure. Lipids are classified as a macromolecule due to their significant size and vital roles in living organisms, but they do not possess a polymer structure like proteins and nucleic acids.
Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins?
Control the rate of reactions and regulate cell processes
Store and transmit heredity
Help fight disease
Used to form bones and muscles
explain
The function of proteins that is NOT accurate is "Store and transmit heredity."
Proteins have various essential functions in living organisms, but they are not responsible for storing and transmitting heredity. The storage and transmission of heredity or genetic information is primarily carried out by nucleic acids, specifically DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
Let's explain the other functions of proteins mentioned:
1. Control the rate of reactions and regulate cell processes: Proteins called enzymes act as catalysts that enhance the rate of chemical reactions in the body. They help regulate cellular processes by facilitating biochemical reactions and maintaining cellular homeostasis.
2. Help fight disease: Antibodies, a type of protein, play a crucial role in the immune system defense. They recognize, bind to, and help eliminate foreign substances such as pathogens, viruses, and bacteria, thus aiding in fighting diseases.
3. Used to form bones and muscles: Proteins, particularly collagen, are important components of connective tissues like tendons and ligaments, providing strength and structure to the body. Actin and myosin, two proteins, are crucial for muscle contraction, allowing movement and locomotion.
In summary, while proteins have crucial roles in controlling reactions, regulating cell processes, fighting diseases, and forming bones and muscles, they are not involved in storing and transmitting heredity. Nucleic acids, specifically DNA and RNA, are responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information.
Match the following macromolecules with the appropriate example.
Carbohydrate =
Lipid =
Nucleic acid =
Protein =
glucose
coconut oil
DNA
Enzyme
Carbohydrate = glucose
Lipid = coconut oil
Nucleic acid = DNA
Protein = Enzyme
In 1931, a chemist named arthur fox was pouring some powdered PTC (phenylthiocarbamide) into a bottle when some of the power accidentally blew into the air. A colleague standing nearby complained that dust tasted bitter. Fox tasted nothing at all. Curious how they could be tasting the chemical differently, they tasted it again. The results were the same. Fox had his friends and family try the chemcal then describe how it tasted. Some people tasted nothing. Some found it intensely bitter, and still others though it tasted only slightly bitter (from the university of utah genetic science learning center 2013). It is estimated that 70% of the population can taste PTC and 30% cannot. We also know that the ability to taste PTC is passed from parent to child.
Which of the following molecules is responsible for the fact that parents who can taste PTC will most often have children who can taste PTC?
Lipids
Nucleic acids
Proteins
Carbohydrates
explain
The molecule responsible for the fact that parents who can taste PTC will most often have children who can taste PTC is nucleic acids.
Nucleic acids, specifically DNA, carry genetic information and are responsible for transmitting traits from parents to offspring. The ability to taste PTC is determined by a specific gene variation called TAS2R38, which encodes a protein receptor involved in detecting bitterness. This gene is located on chromosome 7.
Genetic information is stored in DNA, and during reproduction, genetic material from both parents combines to create the DNA of the offspring. The TAS2R38 gene is inherited from the parents, and variations in this gene can affect the ability to taste PTC. If both parents have the ability to taste PTC, there is a higher likelihood that their children will inherit the gene and also be able to taste PTC.
Therefore, the molecule responsible for the ability to taste PTC is nucleic acids, specifically DNA, as it carries the genetic information that determines traits such as the ability to taste PTC.
To determine which of the following options is not a way fats are used in living things, we need to understand the roles of fats in biological systems.
1. To give plants rigidity: Fats, also known as lipids, do not play a significant role in providing rigidity to plants. Instead, the plant cell wall, which consists mainly of cellulose, provides structural support for plant cells.
2. As chemical messengers: Fatty acids can act as chemical messengers in the form of hormones called eicosanoids. These substances play crucial roles in regulating inflammation, blood clotting, and many other physiological processes.
3. As parts of biological membranes: Fats, specifically phospholipids, are major components of biological membranes. Phospholipids form a double layer, known as the lipid bilayer, which gives cells their membrane structure and regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
4. To store energy: Fats are excellent energy storage molecules. When broken down, fats yield more than twice the amount of energy as carbohydrates or proteins. Adipose tissue in animals and oil-rich seeds in plants serve as long-term energy storage sites.
Therefore, upon analyzing the options, it becomes apparent that the correct answer is "To give plants rigidity." Fats are not directly involved in providing rigidity to plants, whereas the other options describe essential roles of fats in living organisms.