Biological molecules Flashcards
1
Q
1.1 What is a covalent bond?
A
- Atoms that share a pair of electrons in their outer shells.
- As a result both atoms are filled (molecule).
- A more stable compound is formed.
2
Q
1.1 What is an ionic bond?
A
- Ions with opposite charges attract one another.
- Ionic bonds are weaker than covalent bonds.
- Electrostatic attraction (ionic bond)
3
Q
1.1 What is a polar molecule?
A
A molecule with an uneven distribution of charge (polarised).
4
Q
1.1 What are polymers?
A
- Long chains of monomer sub-units.
- Polymerisation is how they are formed.
5
Q
1.1 What are carbohydrates for?
(as a respiratory substrate)
A
- Cells release the energy required to carry out their functions.
6
Q
1.1 What structural forms do carbohydrates have?
(as a respiratory substrate)
A
- Form part of glycoproteins and glycolipids.
- Acts as a recognition sites in plasma membranes.
7
Q
1.1 What are lipids?
A
- A major component of plasma membranes.
- Make up certain hormones.
- Respiratory substrates.
8
Q
1.1 What are proteins?
A
- Found in plasma membranes too.
- Important role: Enzyme
- Chemical messengers
- Important component of the blood (eg. antibodies)
9
Q
1.1 What are nucleic acids?
A
- DNA carries genetic information + determines the structure of proteins.
- RNA, important for the synthesis of these proteins.
10
Q
1.1 What is water for?
A
- Non-carbon based molecule.
- Serves a range of roles in living organisms.
11
Q
1.1 What is molecular biology?
A
- All molecules biological or not are made up of units, atoms.
12
Q
1.1 What are monomers?
A
Certain molecules.
13
Q
1.1 What are condensation reactions?
A
Reactions that produce water.
14
Q
1.1 What is hydrolysis?
A
- Water molecules that break bonds that link sub-units of a polymer.
- constituent parts as a result.
15
Q
1.1 What is an example of a hydrolysis reaction?
A
- Polypeptides (proteins) can be hydrolysed into amino acids.
- Lipids can be hydrolysed into fatty acids and glycerol.