Chapter 1: Biological Molecules Flashcards
Define covalent bonding:
The sharing of outer shell electrons between atoms, forming a stable molecule.
Define ionic bonding:
The (electrostatic) attraction of oppositely charged ions in an “ionic bond”. This bond is weaker than covalent bonds.
Define hydrogen bonding:
When the electrons within a molecule are not evenly distributed so there are areas with more negative charge than the rest if the molecule. This molecule is said to be “polarised” and the negative region of one polar molecule and the positive region of another polar molecule attract via weak electrostatic bonds.
Define a monomer:
A single repeating unit which can be linked together to form long chains.
Define a polymer:
A chain of monomers/ groups of monomers forming repeating units.
Give 4 examples of monomer units:
- Monosaccharides
- Fatty acids and glycerol
- Amino acids
- Nucleotides
Give 4 examples of polymer units:
- Polysaccharides (carbohydrates)
- Lipids
- Polypeptides (proteins)
- Polynucleotides (nucleic acids e.g. DNA or RNA)
Define hydrolysis:
Adding water to break a bond
Define condensation:
Joining molecules, which releases water.
Define metabolism:
The sum of the chemical reactions that occur in cells.
Define atomic number:
The number of protons in an atom.
Define mass number:
The total number of protons and neutrons in an atom.
What is an isotope?
Different types of an element that exist due to a variation the the number of neutrons present.
What is an ion?
A charged atom (gained or lost electrons).
What is OILRIG?
Oxidation
Is
Loss of electrons
Reduction
Is
Gain of electrons
What is a carbohydrate?
A molecule made of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.
Monomer unit: sugar/ monosaccharide.
Polymer unit: disaccharide/ polysaccharide.
Name 4 carbohydrates:
- Sugar
- Starch
- Cellulose
- Glycogen
Name 3 monosaccharides:
- Glucose
- Galactose
- Fructose
glucose+glusose=
Maltose
glucose+fructose=
Sucrose
glucose+galactose=
lactose
Compare alpha and beta glucose:
Define a reducing sugar:
A sugar that can donate electrons to another chemical.
How can you test for reducing sugars?
1) Add Benedict’s solution to sample in a 1:1 ratio
2) Heat the mixture in a gently boiling water bath for 5 mins
3) Look for a colour change from blue to brick red/ orange precipitate.
Why does a colour change occur in the test for reducing sugars?
Insoluble red precipitate of copper (I) oxide has formed.
How can the Benedict’s test become semi-quantitative?
Use the colours as an approximate amount of reducing sugar:
Blue= none
Green= very low
Yellow= low
Orange= medium
Brick red= high
How are disaccharides/polysaccharides formed?
A condensation reaction occurs between monosaccharides which forms a glycosidic bond. They can be broken down via hydrolysis.
How can you test for non-reducing sugars?
1) Add sample to dilute hydrochloric acid in a 1:1 ratio
2) Heat the mixture in a gently boiling water bath for 5 minutes
3) Slowly add sodium hydrogencarbonate solution to neutralise the acid
4) Add Benedict’s solution to the sample in a 1:1 ration
5) Heat the mixture in a gently boiling water bath for 5 minutes
6) Look for a colour change from blue to brick red/ orange precipitate
Define a polysaccharide:
A very large, insoluble carbohydrate molecule.
How can you test for starch?
1) Place 2cm3 of sample being tested into a test tube
2) Add 2 drops of iodine solution and stir
3) Look for a colour change from yellow to blue-black
What is starch?
A polysaccharide made of alpha glucose, found as small grains in storage organs. It can be found in branched or unbranched chains.