Basic Biochemistry

Question 1

What are the differences between polymers and monomers?

Answer 1

Polymers = molecules made from multiple units of smaller molecules, molecular weight above 5000g/mol, e.g. proteins / nucleic acids / polysaccharides.

Monomers = single unit molecules, molecular weight of 500g/mol or less.

Question 2

Define catabolism and anabolism.

Answer 2

Catabolism = breakdown of molecules, releasing energy.

Anabolism = formation of molecules, using energy.

Question 3

What are the stages of catabolism?

Answer 3

1. Food/energy stores broken down to metabolic intermediates and CO2, releasing energy.
2. Energy used to convert NAD+ to NADH+ + H+.
3. NADH + H+ converted back to NAD+, the energy from this is used to create water and ATP.

Question 4

What type of solvent is H2O?

Answer 4

Polar solvent with hydrogen bonds.
Polar substances that are hydrophilic can dissolve (e.g. NaCl).
Non-polar substances that are hydrophobic cannot dissolve (e.g. lipids).

Question 5

Define acidosis and alkalosis.

Answer 5

Acidosis = when blood pH falls below ~7.35.

Alkalosis = when blood pH rises above ~7.45.

Question 6

Are acids or bases proton acceptors?

Answer 6

Bases are proton acceptors, acids are proton donors.

Question 7

List the buffer systems in the body.

Answer 7

Phosphate buffer system / carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system / protein buffer systems.