Biological Molecules - 1.1 Flashcards
What is covalent bonding?
When atoms share a pit of electrons in their outer shells. As a result the outer shell of both atoms is filled and a more stable compound, called a molecule, is formed.
What is ionic bonding?
When ions with opposite Charles attract one another. This electrostatic attraction is known as an ionic bond.
What is hydrogen bonding?
The negative charge of one polarised molecule and the positively charged region of another attract to each other. A weak electrostatic bond is formed between the two. Although each bond is individually weak, they can collectively form important forces that alter the physical properties of molecules.
In what process are polymers formed?
POLYMERISATION
What is the basic unit of a polysaccharide?
A monosaccharides or single sugar.
What are polynucleotides formed from?
Mononucleotides
What is a condensation reaction?
A chemical reaction whereby a water is eliminated in order to form a polymer.
What is hydrolysis?
A chemical reaction in which water is added to bark a chemical bond between two molecules.
What is metabolism?
All the chemical processes that take place in living organisms are collectively called metabolism.
What is a mole?
The SI unit for measuring the amount of a substance and is abbreviated to mol.
What is a molar solution?
A solution that contains one mole of solute in each litre of solution. A mole is the molecular mass expressed as grams.
Where do neutrons occur and what charge and mass do they have?
They occur in the nucleus of an atom and have the same mass as protons but no electrical charge.
Where do protons occur and what charge and mass do they have?
They occur in the nucleus of an atom and have the same mass as neutrons but do have a positive charge.
Where do electrons occur and what mass and charge do they have?
They orbit in shells around the nucleus but a long way from it. They have such a small mass that their contribution to the overall mass of the atom is negligible. They are, however, negatively charged and the number determines the chemical properties of an atom.
What is the atomic number?
The number of protons in an atom.
