Biological molecules Flashcards
What is a covalent bond
The electrostatic attraction between a shared pair of e- and the positive nucleus
what is a condensation reaction
when 2 molecules are joined together and water is removed
What is hydrolysis
When 2 molecules are split apart using water
What is a hydrogen bond
The weak interaction between the delta positive hydrogen and the delta negative oxygen fluorine or nitrogen
Why is water a liquid at room temperature and how does this aid living organisms
because water has u bounding it has a relatively high melting and boiling point. This means that it is a liquid at room temperature. This allows it to become a habitat for living things
Forms a major component of all living cells
Rich medium for chemical reactions
Effective transport medium
Why does water have its density properties and how does this aid living organisms
Water becomes less dense as it is a solid due to its open lattice structure
This means that ice floats on water, not only generating a habitat for polar bears to shag on but also insulating the water below
Why is water a good solvent
Because water is polar a range of molecules can be dissolved by it. The water molecules surround the outside of the ion and make it aq
This means that minerals and ions can be transported in vascular tissue
Why does water have good cohesive properties
all water molecules are hydrogen bonded to one and other, this means that pond skaters can live on the waters surface and water can be drawn up in the transpiration stream
Why does water have a high latent heat of vaporisation and how does this aid living organisms
HYDROGEN BINDING keeps molecules tightly held together this means that lots of energy is required to break these bonds and change waters state
This helps organisms to maintain homeostasis by sweating and panting
Why does water have a high specific heat capacity and how does this aid living organism
Hydrogen bonding makes it very hard to break molecules apart, this means that lots of energy is required to break the binds between molecules.
This makes large bodies of water thermally stable and allows organisms to survive as their enzymes will not denature
What are carboghydrates for
Energy sources ( glucose )
Structural element ( cellulose )
what is a monosaccharide
A simple single molecule such as alpha glucose
These last sweet and are soluble in water and non polar solvents
What is a disaccharide
two molecules bonded together using a glycosidic bond such a maltose. These are also taste sweet
What is maltose
2x alpha
what is sucrose
alpha + fructose
