Section A MCQ [5 marks]

1.

The following diagrams show three biological molecules (P, Q and R) with their possible identities and
properties.

Molecule P:

Molecule Q:

Molecule R:

Row

Molecule

Identity

Constituents

Bonds found in molecule

Amylopectin

-glucose

Ester bonds

Amylose

-glucose

Glycosidic bonds

Amylopectin

-glucose

Glycosidic bonds

Triglyceride

Glycerol + fatty acids

Ester bonds

Polypeptide

Amino acids

Peptide bonds

Polynucleotide

Deoxyribonucleotide

Phosphodiester bonds

Triglyceride

Glycerol + fatty acids

Ester bonds

Phospholipid

Glycerol + fatty acids +

phosphate

Ester bonds

Glycolipid

Glycerol + fatty acids +

sugar

Glycosidic bonds

Which of the above rows are valid matches?

A

1, 6 and 7

2, 4 and 8

3, 5 and 8

3, 6 and 9

2.

3.

4.

Which of the following structural features of hemoglobin is correctly matched to the functional
properties that they give rise to?
Structural feature

Functional property

Each subunit is folded into a globular shape.

Hemoglobin is insoluble in water, hence will not

affect the water potential of the cell.

Hemoglobin is a tetrameric protein.

Each hemoglobin molecule can bind 4 oxygen

molecules, increasing its oxygen carrying
capacity.

Dimers are held tightly together by strong

bonds.

Hemoglobin exhibits cooperativity, which

facilitates the loading and unloading of oxygen.

Each subunit contains a haem group with a

central Fe2+ ion.

Allows the irreversible binding of oxygen

molecules.

Which of the following comparisons between glycogen and cellulose molecules is correct?
A

Glycogen is present in plant and animal cells, whereas cellulose is present in

plant cells only.

Glycogen has a helical and branched structure, whereas cellulose has a helical
and unbranched structure.

Glycogen is insoluble because most of the hydroxyl groups of glucose

monomers project into the interior of the helices, whereas cellulose is insoluble
because the hydroxyl groups are involved in cross-linking.

Glycogen serves a structural function, wherease cellulose serves a storage

function.

Which of the following statements is true regarding the function of phospholipids?

A

The amphipathic nature of phospholipids allows them to assemble into a

membrane bilayer.

Hydrophilic phosphate heads serve as a barrier to the passage of non-polar

substances through the membrane.

Hydrophobic fatty acid tails serve as a barrier to the passage of non-polar

substances through the membrane.

The presence of saturated fatty acids increases the fluidity of the cell
membrane.

5.

Which of the following does not explain why triglycerides serve as good energy storage molecules?
A

They produce more ATP than carbohydrates when used in cellular respiration.

They contain a higher calorific value than carbohydrates.

They are insoluble and hence can be stored easily.

They have higher hydrogen to carbon ratio than carbohydrates.

Section B Structured questions [10 marks]

Fig. 1.1 shows the basic structural unit of collagen.

Fig. 1.1
(a) (i) In the space provided, draw the monomer that makes up approximately one-third of the molecule.
[1]

(ii) Describe the highest level of protein structure shown in Fig. 1.1.

[2]

(iii) Explain 2 structural features of collagen that relates to its function as a fibrous protein.

[4]

(b) Describe 3 structural differences between collagen and hemoglobin.

[3]

Section C Essays [15 marks]

1. Glycoprotein receptors are often found embedded in the cell surface membrane. Outline the events
that lead to the synthesis of these glycoproteins and their subsequent transport to the cell surface
membrane.
[8]
2. Explain the meaning of the terms primary structure, secondary structure, tertiary structure and
quaternary structure of proteins, and describe the types of bonding which hold the molecule in
shape.
[7]