Biological Elements

Question 1

What are the functions of some cations?

Answer 1

H⁺:

• catalysis of reactions
• pH determination

Na⁺:

• Nerve impulse transmission
• Kidney function

Question 2

What are the functions of some anions?

Answer 2

OH^-:

• Catalysis of reactions
• pH determination

Question 3

What is present in carbohydrates? What is the general ratio of atoms?

Answer 3

C, H and O

C_x(H₂O)_x

Question 4

What elements are present in lipids, proteins and nucleic acids?

Answer 4

Lipids - C, H and O

Proteins - C, H, O, N and S

Nucleic acids - C, H, O, N, P

Question 5

Biological molecules are often polymers, what are polymers?

Answer 5

Long-chain molecules made up by the linking of multiple individual molecules (monomers) in a repeating pattern.

Question 6

What is the name given to monomers in carbohydrates and proteins?

Answer 6

Carbohydrates - saccharides (=sugars)

Proteins - amino acids