Biological Molecules Flashcards
Define ‘monomer’
Monomers are the smaller units from which larger molecules are made.
Define ‘polymer’
Polymers are molecules made from a large number of monomers joined together.
What is a condensation reaction?
A condensation reaction joins two molecules together with the formation of a chemical bond and involves the elimination of a molecule of water.
What is a hydrolysis reaction?
A hydrolysis reaction breaks a chemical bond between two molecules and involves the use of a water molecule.
What are the 3 monosaccharides?
Glucose
Galactose
Fructose
What are the 2 types of glucose? These are ____ of each other.
Two sub-types: alpha-glucose and beta-glucose. Isomers of each other.
Alpha-glucose + alpha-glucose ->
-> maltose + water
Alpha-glucose + galactose ->
-> lactose + water
Alpha-glucose + fructose ->
-> sucrose + water
A _____ bond forms between two monosaccharides
glycosidic bond
What is the primary function of starch?
Energy source
Starch is found in plants or animals?
Plants
Starch: long/short chains of alpha-glucose monomers, linked via ______ bonds
from a _______ reaction
Starch: long chains of alpha-glucose monomers, linked via glycosidic bonds
from a condensation reaction
Two types of starch and the key difference between them?
— Amylose - unbranched straight chains
— Amylopectin - branched chains
Benefit of amylose’s structure for its function?
Unbranched chain is wound into a very tight coil so is compact, storing much energy in a small space
Benefit of amylopectin’s structure for its function?
The branching means that multiple enzymes can work on each side chain simultaneously. This ensures quick release of the alpha-glucose monomers that are used in respiration.
Benefit of starch’s general structure for its functions? (x4)
- Insoluble - doesn’t affect water potential, so water is not drawn into cells via osmosis, which would cause them to be turgid
- Large (and insoluble) - doesn’t diffuse out of cells
- Compact (amylose) - good for storage (lots of energy, small space)
- Branching (amylopectin) means it is easily hydrolysed to alpha-glucose - used in respiration
Main function of glycogen? Plants or animals?
Energy source in animals/bacteria cells
Structure of glycogen?
Short, very highly branched chains of alpha-glucose monomers
Glycogen is stored where and as what?
Stored as small granules in muscles and the liver
Adaptations of the structure of glycogen for its functions? X3
- Insoluble - doesn’t affect water potential, so water is not drawn into cells via osmosis. Also does not diffuse out of cells.
- Compact - good for storage (lots of energy, small space)
- Highly branched - means it is easily hydrolysed to alpha-glucose - used in respiration
Structure of cellulose? (3 levels)
Straight, unbranched chains of beta-glucose
Chains run parallel to each other, with cross-linkages between them. This forms microfibrils, which have a great collective strength
Parallel microfibrils then form fibres
What forms between chains of cellulose monomers? How?
Hydrogen bonds form cross bridges, via -OH groups on either side of the monomers
Function of cellulose? How and why is this important?
Structural support of the cell wall: the cell wall exerts an inward pressure into the cell that stops any influx of water, ensuring the cell does not burst due to osmotic changes
This semi-rigid state is essential to maintaining turgor of stems and leaf cells (maximum surface area for photosynthesis)
Lipids contain what elements?
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen
In lipids, the proportion of oxygen to hydrogen and carbon is _____ than in carbohydrates. Consequence?
Proportion of oxygen to hydrogen and carbon is smaller than in carbohydrates. This means that more energy is released per mass when lipids are hydrolysed, than with carbohydrates.
Are lipids soluble?
Insoluble in water
Soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol
Roles of lipids? X4
- Energy source
- Waterproofing (insoluble in water; act as waxy cuticle in plants to conserve water)
- Insulation
- Protection (fat around delicate organs)