B1.1.6-7

Question 1

Compare the structure of alpha-glucose and beta-glucose.

Answer 1

Alpha-glucose: The OH group on carbon 1 is on the same side as the CH2OH group.
Beta-glucose: The OH group on carbon 1 is opposite to the CH2OH group.

Question 2

Describe the structure of cellulose microfibrils.

Answer 2

Made of alternating beta-glucose monomers forming long, straight chains that group together in bundles and are cross-linked by hydrogen bonds.

Question 3

Discuss the consequences of the strength of cellulose in the plant cell wall.

Answer 3

The strong, rigid structure of cellulose helps provide mechanical support to plant cells and contributes to plant rigidity.

Question 4

Outline an example of a function of a glycoprotein.

Answer 4

Glycoproteins are proteins with attached carbohydrate groups, playing a key role in cell-cell recognition, signaling, and immunity.

Question 5

Compare the structure of the A, B and O glycoproteins on the red blood cell membrane.

Answer 5

A glycoprotein: Contains an A antigen.
B glycoprotein: Contains a B antigen.
O glycoprotein: Lacks both A and B antigens.

Question 6

Discuss the consequences of the presence of A, B and O glycoproteins during blood transfusion.

Answer 6

Mismatched blood transfusion can cause an immune response due to recognition of foreign antigens on red blood cells.