2.1

Question 1

How many bonds can carbon form, and what is the consequence of this?

Answer 1

Carbon atoms form 4 covalent bonds, which are the strongest bonds and therefore stable molecules are produced.

4 bonds also mean many diverse & complex structures can be produced

Question 2

Name the 4 classes of carbon compounds, giving named examples:

Answer 2

Carbohydrates - C, H, O : glucose, starch, maltose, glycogen

Lipids - C, H, O : fatty acids, cholesterol, waxes

Proteins - C, H, O, N : haemoglobin, collagen, keratin

Nucleic Acids - C, H, O, N, P : RNA, DNA, ATP

Question 3

What is anabolism?

Answer 3

The synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones

Requires energy (ATP)

e.g. the formation of macromolecules by condensation reactions, photosynthesis

Question 4

What is catabolism?

Answer 4

The breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones

Releases energy (heat)

e.g. the breakdown of macromolecules by hydrolysis, respiration

Question 5

What is urea, an example of?

Answer 5

A compound that is produced by living organisms, that can also be artificially synthesised.

Question 6

Draw α-glucose, β-glucose, ribose, saturated fatty acid & generalised amino acid

Answer 6

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