1A.1 - Molecules of Life Flashcards
What does evidence for evolution support?
The theory of evolution.
What is similar for all living things?
Carbon-based compounds. Their biochemical basis.
What do similarities in plants and animals suggest? What does such a suggestion provide?
That they all have a common ancestor. Indirect evidence for evolution.
Define ‘polymer’.
Molecules made from a large number of monomers joined together.
Give three examples of polymers.
Most carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acids.
Define ‘monomer’.
Small, basic units from which larger molecules are made.
Give three examples of monomers.
Monosaccharides, amino acids and nucleotides.
What sort of reaction occurs to make a polymer?
Condensation reaction.
Define ‘condensation reaction’.
A reaction that joins two molecules together with the formation of a chemical bond and the elimination of a water molecule.
What sort of reaction breaks down a polymer?
Hydrolysis reaction.
Define ‘hydrolysis reaction’.
A reaction that breaks the chemical bond between monomers using a water molecule.
