3.1 Chapter 1- Biological Molecules Flashcards
What is indirect evidence for evolution?
- All life on Earth shares a common chemistry. This is indirect evidence for evolution, as it suggests all life has a common ancestor.
- Despite the extensive variety of life, the cells of all living organisms contain only a few groups of carbon-based organic compounds that interact in similar ways.
Why is the biochemical basis of life similar?
- Based on carbon atoms- organic
- Contain versatile bonds that readily link with each other and form chains.
- Few other atoms attach to carbon.
Define a monomer
A small repeating unit from which polymers are made.
Define a polymer.
A chain of many monomers joined together by bonds. e.g. amino acids forming proteins with peptide bonds.
What must you remember to mention when talking about polymers?
The bonds e.g. glycosidic, phosphodiester
Define a condensation reaction.
The joining of 2 molecules/ monomers together forming a chemical bond and releasing water.
Define hydrolysis
The breaking of a chemical bond (between monomers) using a water molecule.
What are the monomers of carbohydrates?
Monosaccharides
What are the features of monosaccharides?
- Soluable
- Sweet tasting
- General formula (CH2O) n
- Reducing sugars
- e.g. glucose, galactose, fructose
What type of molecules are monosaccharides?
Hydrocarbons- made from only carbon, oxygen and hydrogen.
What is the general formula of a monosaccharide?
(CH2O) n
What is another name for hexose?
Glucose
Name the each monosaccharides from 3 to 7 carbons.
3- triose
4- tetrose
5- pentose
6- hexose= glucose
7- heptose
What is the name for a bond between a monosaccharide?
Glycosidic bond
What are alpha and beta glucose?
Structural isomers
Draw alpha and beta glucose.
Answer on revision card.
Describe the test for reducing sugars and how it works.
- Dissolve the sample
- Add an equal volume of Benedicts reagent
- Heat to over 70°C
- If present, the solution will turn from blue to brick red
All monosaccharides are reducing sugars. Test works by reducing Cu2+ ions to Cu+ turning them from blue to red. High concentration means more red substrate.
What are the uses of carbohydrates?
- Used as respiratory substrate
- Form structural components in plasma membranes and cell walls
How disaccharides formed and broken?
Formed by the concentration reaction of two monosaccharides, forming a glycosidic bond and water.
Broken by hydrolysis requiring water.
What type of sugar are disaccharides?
Reducing or non-reducing sugars
What are the components of:
Maltose
Sucrose
Lactose
- Maltose- 2 alpha glucose- forms α1-4 glycosidic bond
- Sucrose- alpha glucose and fructose
- Lactose- alpha glucose and galactose
Complete the equation (written and formula):
2α glucose —>
2α glucose —> maltose + water
2C6H12O6 —> C12H22O11 + H2O
Describe the test for non-reducing sugars.
- Perform the test for reducing sugars make sure it’s negative
- Take new sample, dissolve and add an equal volume of HCl/ acid
- Boil/ heat to hydrolyse the disaccharide
- Add sodium hydrogen carbonate to neutralise. Test the solution is alkaline using indicator paper.
- Add Benedict’s reagent and heat over 70°
- They reducing sugar is present. The solution turns from blue to brick red. Red precipitate/ colour.
Draw glucose and how it forms into maltose
Answer on revision card
Remember to label α1-4 glycosidic bond