Biological molecules - INORGANIC IONS/ATP/WATER Flashcards
Na+:
Function
Site of presence
(size??)
- Involved in generation of action potentials in nerves/involved in active transport of glucose and amino acids
- Found in tissue fluid, plasma and cytoplasm
- Approx 140mM
H+:
Function
Site of presence
(size??)
- Concentration varies to maintain pH of body fluids
- Found in tissue fluid, plasma and cytoplasm
- Normal pH 7.4, approximately 4 x 10-5 mM)
Fe 2+:
Function
Site of presence
(size??)
- Binds O2 for transport in blood
- Mainly present in haemoglobin
- 10-30μm
PO4 3-:
Function
Site of presence
(size??)
-Part of DNA and ATP
- Low concentration in tissue fluid, higher concentration in cells
- Approx 1.0mM in tissue fluid
What is the structure of ATP?
- Adenine
- Ribose sugar
- 3 phosphate groups
What is the structure of ADP?
- Adenine
- Ribose
- 2 phosphate groups
How is ATP synthesised?
- Condensation reaction
- Addition of an inorganic phosphate to ADP
- Catalysed by ATP synthase
What are the products of ATP hydrolysis?
ADP + Pi (inorganic phosphate)
Why is ATP referred to as an immediate energy source?
- Each ATP molecule release less, more manageable amounts of energy than glucose
- Hydrolysis of ATP to ADP is a single, fast reaction
Where are you likely to find the most mitochondria?
- Cells that are constantly respiring
- Eg. Muscle fibres and epithelial cells
- Require energy for movement and active transport
Name some processes which require ATP
- Metabolic processes
- Movement
- Active transport
- Secretion
What is the structure of a water molecule?
2 hydrogens bonded to 1 oxygen
Why is water a polar molecule?
Oxygen is slightly more electronegative, creating a dipole
Why is water cohesive?
Ability to form hydrogen bonds between molecules
Explain the specific heat capacity of water and why it’s useful for water based organisms?
- Because water is cohesive, high amounts of energy are needed to break forces of attraction
- Buffers sudden temperature changes, maintaining constant temperature
