Cells and Biochemical Reactions Flashcards
1
Q
Identify the chemical elements important to the chemistry of life?
A
CHNOPS: Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus, and Sulfur. These elements have the ability as the lightest elements to form covalent bonds by electron sharing (lighter they are, the stronger the covalent bond).
2
Q
Describe the importance of stereospecificity and the use of stereoisomers in biochemistry.
A
Stereochemistry is important because it can determine the function of the molecule.
3
Q
Describe the importance of hydrogen bonding in biomolecules.
A
Hydrogen bonding is important because it permits tight, high specific binding of biomolecules. A stable complex will have more molecular complementarity and will be long lasting.
