3.1 Biological Elements

Question 1

What are the 6 most abundant elements present in biological molecules?

Answer 1

C - carbon
O - oxygen
H - hydrogen
N - nitrogen
S - sulfur
P - phosphorus

Question 2

How many bonds can C, N, O and H form?

Answer 2

H - 1 bond with another atom
O - 2 bonds with other atoms
N - 3 bonds with other atoms
C - 4 bonds with other atoms

Question 3

What is a cation?

Answer 3

Atom that has lost electrons.

+ charge

Question 4

What is an anion?

Answer 4

Atom that has gained electrons.

- charge

Question 5

What are electrolytes?

Answer 5

Ions in solution

Question 6

What is the function of (Ca2+) calcium cations?

Answer 6

• nerve impulse transmission

* muscle contraction

Question 7

What is the function of (Na+) sodium cations?

Answer 7

• nerve impulse transmission

* kidney function

Question 8

What is the function of (K+) potassium cations?

Answer 8

• nerve impulse transmission

* stomatal opening

Question 9

What is the function of (H+) hydrogen cations?

Answer 9

• catalysis of reactions

* pH determination

Question 10

What is the function of (NH4+) ammonium cations?

Answer 10

Production of nitrate ions by bacteria

Question 11

What is the function of (NO3-) nitrate anions?

Answer 11

Nitrogen supply to plants for amino acid and protein production

Question 12

What is the function of (HCO3-) hydrogen carbonate anions?

Answer 12

Maintenance of blood pH

Question 13

What is the function of (Cl-) chloride anions?

Answer 13

Balance positive charge of sodium and potassium ions in cells

Question 14

What is the function of (PO43-) phosphate anions?

Answer 14

Cell membrane + nucleic acid + ATP + bone formation

Question 15

What is the function of (OH-) hydroxide anions?

Answer 15

• Catalysis of reactions

* pH determination

Question 16

What elements are carbohydrates made of?

Answer 16

C, O, H

Question 17

What elements are lipids made of?

Answer 17

C, O, H

Question 18

What elements are proteins made of?

Answer 18

C, O, H, N, S

Question 19

What elements are nucleic acids made of?

Answer 19

P, O, N, C, H

Question 20

What are polymers?

Answer 20

Long-chain molecules made by linking multiple monomers in a repeating pattern

Question 21

What are the monomers in carbohydrates?

Answer 21

Saccharides

Question 22

What are the monomers in proteins?

Answer 22

Amino acids