Biological molecules Flashcards
What is cellulose made of (1)
beta glucose
What is starch made of (1)
alpha glucose
Explain how the structures of starch and cellulose are related to thier functions as storage and structural molecules respectively (4)
- starch is made of amylose and amylopectin joined by alpha 1-4 glycosidic bonds
- molecules coil in amylose and in amylopectin branch
- easy to remove glucose molecules
- cellulose alternate unites rotate by 180 degrees in a straight chain
- hydrogen bonds froming cross links which gives strength and stability
What is the bond between a glycerol molecule and a fatty acid (1)
ester
Describe the type of reaction involved in the breakdown of a monoglyceride (1)
hydrolysis
Explain why triglycerides are not considered to be polymers (1)
glycerol and fatty acids are different structures
State two functions of triglycerides in a mammal except for energy storage (2)
- portection of internal organs against impact
- thermal insulation
- buoynacy
- waterproofing
- source of metabolic water
Describe a biochemical test for the presence of glucose in a solution (2)
- add benedicts test and heat
- colour would change from blue to brick red
- blue precipitate - neutral
Explain why a positive test would be seen with glucose but not sucrose for benedicts test (1)
- glucose is a reducing sugar
- reduces copper II sulphate to copper I oxide
- sucrose is a non reducing sugar
Describe the function of magnesium ions (1)
component of chlorophyll
Describe the function of iron ions (1)
component of haemoglobin
Describe the function of phosphate ions (1)
component of nucleic acids
Describe the function of calicum ions (1)
hardens bones / teeth / synaptic transmissions
Name the bond crosslinking cellulose molecule (1)
hydrogen
Explain the importance of hydrogen bonds in the role of celluloe in plant cell walls (2)
- holds celluloe chains together to form microfibrils
- strengthens the cell wall giving structural tability
- can resist tugor / prevenet cell wall from bursting