3 Biochemistry of molecules

Question 1

what is isomerism

Answer 1

When 2 or more molecules that contain the same number and type of atoms but have different structures or projections of their atoms

Question 2

what are the sub-catagories of isomers and each of their sub-catagories

Answer 2

-Structural Isomer:
Chain, Positional and Functional group isomers
- Stereoisomer:
Geometric and Optimal isomers

Question 3

what is a structural isomer:

Answer 3

A molecule that differs in bonding patterns and atomic organisation

Question 4

what are chain isomers

Answer 4

• When molecules have similar structures with edits to the chain of the carbon atoms

Question 5

what are position isomers

Answer 5

• when a certain aspect of the molecule is in a different location

Question 6

what are functional group isomers

Answer 6

• When 2 molecules have the same molecular formula but different functional groups

Question 7

what are stereoisomers

Answer 7

compounds that differ in spatial configuration but have the same type of bonds

Question 8

what is a geometric isomer and give an example

Answer 8

compounds with the same numbr and type of atims but different spatial arrangement,
- Eg) Cis and Trans alkene

Question 9

What is an optical isomer

Answer 9

• when 2 compounds with exactly the same chemical structures cannot be super imposed

Question 10

what are 2 features of optical isomers

Answer 10

• diffract plane polarised light differently

- react differently with biological molecules

Question 11

give 2 examples of optical isomers

Answer 11

• R and S limonene which give the flavours for orange and lemon
• Thalidomide, the R isomer was a sedative for morning sickness while the S isomer caused growth defects to the foetus

Question 12

chemical formula for carbohydrates

Answer 12

(CH20)n