Biological Molecules Flashcards
What makes water a polar molecule? (structure)
- One oxygen Atom (O) join with two Hydrogen atoms (H2) by shared electrons.
- Shared hydrogen electrons are pulled towards the oxygen atom meaning the other side of each hydrogen atom is left with a slight positive charge.
- The unshared negative electrons on the oxygen atom give it a slight negative charge.
- This makes water a polar molecule.
Properties of Water (5)
- High specific heat capacity.
- High latent hear of evaporation.
- Cohesive.
- Good solvent.
- Less dense when solid.
High specific heat capacity
- Hydrogen bonds between water molecules can absorb a lot of energy.
- Meaning it takes a lot of energy too heat up (high specific heat capacity).
- Means water doesn’t experience rapid temperature changes, making it a good habitat.
High Latent Heat Of Evaporation.
- It takes a lot of energy (heat) to break the hydrogen bonds between water molecules.
- This means a lot of energy is used up when water evaporates.
- Means water is a good coolant. (This is why some mammals sweat).
Cohesive
- Water is very cohesive (meaning they stick together) because they’re polar.
- Makes it easier for water to flow.
- Means water is good for transporting substances and helps water transport up plant stems in the transpiration stream.
Good Solvent
- Water’s polarity will mean ions dissolve in water.
- Important ions can dissolve in the water in blood and then be transported around the body.
Less dense when solid.
- Water molecules are held further apart in ice (less dense).
- Therefore, ice floats.
- Means ice forms an insulating layer on top of water in cold temperatures.
- This means water below doesn’t freeze so organism that live in water like fish don’t freeze and can still move around.
What is a Monomer?
Monomers are small units which are the components of larger molecules. E.g monosaccharides such as glucose and Amino Acids.
What is a Polymer?
Polymers are molecules made from monomers joined together. E.G Amino Acids join together form a polypeptide chain.
A condensation reaction
A condensation reaction is a reaction which joins monomers by chemical bonds and it involves the loss of a water molecule.
What are the 3 Main carbohydrates?
- Monosaccharides (sugar).
- Disaccharid (sugar).
- Polysaccharides
Carbohydrate def
- Contains only oxygen carbon and Hydrogen.
- Stores energy in plants and animals.
- Cellulose cell wall dependant on structural role of some carbohydrates.
Glucose+Glucose=
Maltose
Glucose+Fructose=
Sucrose
Glucose+Galactose=
Lactose
Disaccharides def
- Molecule consisting of 2 monosaccharides joined by a glyosidic bonds by a condensation reaction.
Monosaccharides def
- A molecule consisting of a single sugar.
Polysaccharide def
- A polymer made from many sugar monomers (monosaccharides).
What is a Monomer
- Single Molecule.
How is cellulose adapted to their function in plant cells?
- Long Chains which are Linked to form fibrils. This Provide strength to cell wall.
Starch function
- Main energy storage in plants.
- Mixture of two polysaccharides, Amylose and Amylopectin.
Starch adaptations.
- Amylose,Compact so it’s good for storage because you can fit more into a small space.
- Amylopectin,Branches allow enzymes that break down the molecule to reach the glycolic bonds easily.
Glycogen.
- Main energy storage material in animals.
Glycogen adaptations
- Many side branches means stored glucose can be released easily.
- Compact molecule which is good for storage.
Cellulose
- The major component of cell walls in plants.
Triglyceride structure.
- one molecule of glycerol and three fatty acids (tails) attached to it.
- Tails are hydrophobic.
- Contain ester bonds. (Broken in hydrolysis reactions)
Esterification.
- The process by which triglycerides are synthesised.
Difference between Saturated and Unsaturated fatty acids.
- Saturated=No double bonds between carbon atoms.
- Unsaturated=At least one double bond between carbon atoms. (Causes the chain to kink)