BIO chemistry

Question 1

differentiate between elements and molecules…

Answer 1

Element- A substance that cannot be broken down by any chemical reaction.

Molecule- Two or more atoms joined together.

Question 2

Atomic number represents…

Answer 2

The amount of protons within the nucleus of an atom within an element.

Question 3

Protons are…

Answer 3

Positively charged

Question 4

Electrons are…

Answer 4

Negatively charged

Question 5

Differentiate between ions, cations and anions.

Answer 5

Ions- Charged atoms. Occur when an atom gains or loses an electron.

Anions- Negatively charged ions. Occur when a proton is lost.

Cations- Positively charged ions. Occur when an electron is lost, or a proton is gained.

Question 6

Define the term isotope.

Answer 6

In an element, all atoms will contain the same number of protons. However, if they contain differing amounts of neutrons, they are known as isotopes.

Question 7

Provide the chemical symbol for potassium.

Answer 7

K

Question 8

Provide the chemical symbol for iron.

Answer 8

Fe

Question 9

Provide the chemical symbol for sodium.

Answer 9

Na

Question 10

Provide the chemical symbols for hydrogen and Carbon.

Answer 10

H & C

Question 11

Provide the chemical symbol for Calcium.

Answer 11

Ca

Question 12

What is the role of iron within the human body?

Answer 12

. Essential for creating haemoglobin, the protein that transports oxygen within the red blood cells.

. Supports healthy nails, skin and hair.

Question 13

What is the role of Hydrogen and Carbon within the body?

Answer 13

Hydrogen is responsible for hydration, lubrication of joints and removal of waste and toxins.

Carbon is the main energy source for the body, derived from carbohydrates. It is also the building block for many other macromolecules such as lipids and proteins.

Question 14

What may potassium be used for?

Answer 14

Potassium is an electrolyte that can be used to control intracellular fluid levels in body cells, muscle contractions, nerve signals and when dissolved, will produce positively charged ions. These ions are used as ‘electricity’ for the body.

Question 15

What may sodium be used for?

Answer 15

Sodium is an electrolyte that is used for maintaining extracellular fluid levels in body cells. This can also be used for control of blood pressure and volume, as well as muscle contraction and nerve impulses. Sodium is derived from sodium chloride/salt.

Question 16

What is the main function of calcium?

Answer 16

Calcium is the building block for bones, and can be used for protein regulation as well as muscle contraction. it is the most abundant mineral within the human body.

Question 17

Give an example of a contractile protein.

Answer 17

Myosin

Question 18

Give an example of a transport protein.

Answer 18

Haemoglobin

Question 19

Name three lipids.

Answer 19

Fatty acids, oils and cholesterol.

Question 20

What is the human blood PH level?

Answer 20

7.4 (basic)

Question 21

Briefly explain the purpose of buffers…

Answer 21

Buffers are solutions that can resist changes in PH levels, and are important for maintaining H+ ion concentrations in biological systems.

Question 22

How do buffers functions?

Answer 22

If there are too many H+ ions, a buffer will absorb some of them bringing the PH back up. if there are too little H+ ions, the buffer will donate some of its H+ ions in order to reduce the PH.

Question 23

What is a H+ ion?

Answer 23

It is a hydrogen atom that has a positive charge, meaning it has lost its single electron. It is simply a proton instead.

Question 24

What occurs when acidic substances such as lemon juice, are added to water?

Answer 24

The acidic substance readily gives up its H+ (positively charged hydrogen atoms), so that the water molecules combine with the H+. This causes the formation of H3O+, and will result in a low PH/acidic substance.

Question 25

How may PH levels effect bodily function?

Answer 25

Enzyme proteins may denature in cases of extreme PH levels. This can halt the actions of enzyme functions, causing issues with digestion, biochemical reactions and protein structure.

Question 26

Name two nucleic acids, and the sub categories of each.

Answer 26

DNA contains the genetic code that is essential for building new body cells, and DNA transcription (building RNA).

mRNA brings the instructions from the nucleus in order for protein synthesis to occur in the ribosomes.

tRNA brings amino acid codons from the nucleus to the ribosome to add to the growing polypeptide, and also matches its anticodons to the mRNA codons.

rRNA is essential for the creation of ribosomes, which is the site of protein synthesis.

Question 27

Name examples of carbohydrates.

Answer 27

Glucose and starch.

Question 28

Explain the structure of a protein.

Answer 28

Contains an alpha carbon molecule attached to an amino group, carboxyl group, hydrogen and a side chain (variable area).

Question 29

Explain the structure of a carbohydrate.

Answer 29

Consists of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and water. Is composed of sugar monomers that are linked through covalent bonds.

Question 30

Explain the structure of a lipid.

Answer 30

2 Fatty cid tails, phosphate group and a glycerol backbone.

Question 31

Explain the structure of a nucleic acid.

Answer 31

Nitrogenous base, phosphate group and a carbon sugar.

Question 32

What is a phosphate group composed of?

Answer 32

A phosphorus atom and four oxygen molecules.

Question 33

How is a monosaccharide converted into a disaccharide?

Answer 33

A dehydration synthesis occurs, which is when the hydroxyl group of one monosaccharide, joins the hydrogen of another monosaccharide. This releases a molecule of water and the bond is formed.

Question 34

Define polymer.

Answer 34

Large molecules that are formed from repeating subunits. Eg- Carbohydrates formed from repeating monosaccharides.

Question 35

What is meant by a saccharide?

Answer 35

It is a simple sugar, in its smallest form.