106 biosci

Question 1

biochemistry is universal

Answer 1

at the molecular level, we would expect to see the same processes on other life forms

Question 2

Big bang and origin of life

Answer 2

14 bya, primordial universe had H and He condensing to form first generation stars after the big bang. 7 bya fusion produced heavier elements inc C, N and O. Large unstable stars explode in supernovas and dispersed the elements. Second gen stars form solar systems (condensing) incorporating heavier elements.

Question 3

Origins of both elements and biological molecules

Answer 3

originated from water and condensation of water on earth, simple gaseous molecules, reducing atmospheres and electrical discharges

Question 4

biological molecules suggest an

Answer 4

evolutionary ancestry of all life on earth

Question 4

why biopolymers are modular

Answer 4

scaffolding and to produce large unique complex macromolecules by efficiently prefabricate monomers (subunits) to make biopolymers.

Question 5

H, C, N and O role in early life

Answer 5

favour bond formation/molecules and C is central to this and the formation of complex molecules and the most abundant in biology.

Question 6

Reducing atmosphere role

Answer 6

Supports bond formation as bonds form more readily.

Question 7

Na, Mg, K, Ca, P, S and Cl

Answer 7

secondly abundant and good catalysis elements in biology, maintaining fluid balance and muscle contractions.

Question 8

Role of carbon

Answer 8

the central role of carbon provides versatility, scaffolding and diversity in chemical compounds. They form covalent bonds with other atoms.

Question 9

Electrical discharge role in life formation

Answer 9

Provides energy for gas and water molecules enough energy to smash together form new bonds.

Question 10

1953 Miller Urey primordial soup

Answer 10

Experiment to recreate the beginnings of life, with the four components needed which created new molecules and amino acids such as nucleotides (beta alanine, alanine, aspartic acid and glycine).

Question 11

3/4 classes of macromolecules are biopolymers

Answer 11

they are carbohydrates, nucleic acids and proteins, lipids however dont polymerise but assemble.

Question 12

All biopolymers link together (polymerise)

Answer 12

through condensation (dehydration).

Question 13

The monomer and bond type for polysaccharides (sugars)

Answer 13

Monomer: saccharides, and have glycosidic bonds.

Question 15

Monomer and bond for proteins (polypeptide)

Answer 15

amino acid monomers and peptide bonds.

Question 16

Monomer and bond for polynucleotides (nucleic acids)

Answer 16

Nucleotide monomers and phosphodiester bonds.