How do proteins catalyze biological reactions? How does the structure of DNA help explain the mechanism for encoding genetic information? How is energy stored in organisms as polysaccharides and lipids? The science of structural biology provides the answers to these questions. To begin a study of structural biology, we will first learn about common biological molecules. Our objectives are to become familiar with structures and properties of sugars, lipids, amino acids, and nucleotides. We will also consider the macromolecules that are formed from these monomer units, including proteins, nucleic acids and polysaccharides.

Instructions: The following problems have multiple choice answers. Correct answers are reinforced with a brief explanation. Incorrect answers are linked to tutorials to help solve the problem.

1. Recognition of the peptide bond
2. Identification of biological molecules
3. Tertiary structure of a protein
4. Identification of another biological molecule
5. Elements of protein structure
6. Identification of a monomer unit of a biological macromolecule
7. Weak forces involved in interactions between macromolecules
8. Identification of a macromolecule
9. Identification of a hydrophobic amino acid
10. Protein-protein interactions
11. Sequence of a polypeptide
12. Sequence of a longer polypeptide