chapter 3 biological molecules

Question 1

what are ions in solution called?

Answer 1

electrolytes

Question 2

what cations are necessary for living organisms and what are their roles?

Answer 2

Ca2+= nerve impulse/muscle contraction
Na+= nerve impulse/kidney function
K+= nerve impulse/stomatal opening
H+=catalysis of reactions/pH determination
(NH4)+= production of nitrate ions via bacteria

Question 3

what anions are essential for living organisms and what are their functions?

Answer 3

(NO3)-= nitrogen supply to plants for amino acid formation
(HCO3)-= maintenance of blood pH
Cl-= balance + charge of Na and K in cells
(PO4)3-= cell membrane formation/nucleic acid and ATP formation/bone formation
OH-=catalysis of reactions/pH determination

Question 4

what elements are present in carbohydrates and lipids?

Answer 4

C, H, O

Question 5

what elements are found in proteins?

Answer 5

C, H, O, N, S

Question 6

what elements are found in nucleic acids?

Answer 6

C, H, O, N, P

Question 7

what are polar molecules?

Answer 7

molecules with uneven balances of charge e.g. water

Question 8

How does water bond?

Answer 8

+/- regions attract each other forming hydrogen bonds. these bonds are weak but occur in high numbers giving water its unique properties

Question 9

what are are some characteristics of water?

Answer 9

high boiling point for a simple molecule (stronger due to H bonds), Ice is less dense than water because H bonds fix in place further apart creating a giant open structure, cohesive properties (H2O attracted to each other, adhesion properties (H2O attracted to other materials), high surface tension.