Chp 3 Objectives

Why This Chapter Matters

1. Biological molecules are the building blocks of cells, the fundamental units of life.

2. Knowing the structures, properties, and roles of the four major classes of organic molecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids) is essential to understanding the characteristics of life.

3. Carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids are vital components of human diets and the diets of most organisms.

4. Regional differences in lactose intolerance illustrate a medically significant aspect of human evolution.

Chapter Objectives

Biology and Society: Got Lactose?

1. Describe the causes and consequences of lactose intolerance.

Organic Compounds

2. Describe the special bonding properties of carbon that allow it to form an endless variety of organic molecules.

3. Compare a dehydration reaction to hydrolysis.

Large Biological Molecules

4. Compare the structures and roles of monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides in living organisms. Give examples of each.

5. Describe the unique properties of lipids.

6. Compare the structure and properties of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.

7. Distinguish between steroids and anabolic steroids, and explain how the use of anabolic steroids can be dangerous to a person’s health.

8. Describe the structure of proteins. Distinguish between the primary structure and the final three-dimensional shape.

9. Describe and compare the structures of DNA and RNA.

Evolution Connection: Evolution and Lactose Intolerance in Humans

10. Explain why we think that lactose intolerance has a genetic basis.

11. Explain why lactose intolerance has evolved differently in humans spread throughout
the world.