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Biology > Core Concepts: Biomolecules > Flashcards

Core Concepts: Biomolecules Flashcards

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1
Q

What is an inorganic molecule or ion

A

A molecule or ion that contains no more than 1 carbon atom

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2
Q

What is magnesium used for in plants and animals

A

Plants:
* Important constituent of chlorophyll
* Lack of magnesium - chlorosis - stunted growth
Animals:
* Mammals need magnesium for bones

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3
Q

What is iron (Fe²⁺) used for

A

Constituent of haemoglobin. Lack of iron causes anaemia

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4
Q

What are phosphates used for

A
  • Used for making nucleotides including ATP
  • Constituent of phospholipids - found in biological membranes
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5
Q

What is calcium used for in plants and animals

A

Plants:
* Component of plant cell walls - strength
Animals:
* Important structural component of bones and teeth

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6
Q

What is a dipole

A

A polar molecule with a positive and a negative charge

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7
Q

What is hydrolysis

A

The breakingdown of large molecules into smaller ones by addition of a water molecule

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8
Q

What is a condensation reaction

A

The chemical process where two molecules combine to form a more complex one. Releases water. New bond formed

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9
Q

What is a hydrogen bond

A

The weak attractive force between the partially positive charge of a hydrogen atom of one molecule and the partially negative charge of the other atom - O or N

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10
Q

What is Specific Heat Capaciy

A

The energy required to raise the temperature of 1g of a substance by 1°C

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11
Q

What is Latent Heat of Vapourisation

A

The energy required to convert 1 g of a liquid into vapour at the same time

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12
Q

What are the properties of water

A
  • A solvent
  • High Specific Heat Capacity
  • High latent heat of vapourisation
  • Cohesion
  • High surface tension
  • Ice is less dense than water
  • Transparrent
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13
Q

How is water a solvent and why is it useful

A

Water molecules are dipoles. They attract charged particles and dissolve these in water. Water acts as a transport medium. Non Polar molecules don’t dissolve.

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14
Q

Why is water described as a universal water solvent

A

Because water is such a good solvent

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15
Q

How is water a metabolite

A

Water is used in many biochemical eactions as a reactant. Many reactions involve Hydrolysis or Condensation

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16
Q

Why does water have a high specific heat capacity and why is it important

A

The hydrogen bonds between water molecules restrict their movement, restricting an increase in kinetic energy nd therefore temperature. This prevents large fluctuations in water temperature, which keeps aquatic environments stable. Allows enzymes inside the cell to work efficiently

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17
Q

Why is it important for water to have a high latent heat of vapourisation

A

This is important for temperature control, where heat is used to vapourise water from sweat on the skin or from a leaf’s surface

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18
Q

How is water cohesive and why is it important

A

Water molecules attract eachother forming hydrogen bonds. Water molecules stick to eachother in a lattice. Allows columns of water to be drawn up xylem vessels in plants

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19
Q

Why is the fact that ice is less dense than water important

A

This forms an insulating layer over the surface of aquatic habitats; ponds and other aquatic habitats do not freeze solid so animals can still move/swim.

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20
Q

Why is water’s transparency important

A

Light can pass through and let aquatic plants photosynthesis effectively

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21
Q

What does an organic molecule mean

A

A molecule that has a high proportion of carbon atoms

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22
Q

What is a carbohydrate

A

An organic compound containing Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen

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23
Q

What is the basic unit of a carbohydrate

A

a monosaccharide

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24
Q

What is a monosaccharide

A
  • Small organic molecules
  • Building blocks for larger carbohydrates
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25
Q

What is a monosaccharide with 3 carbon atoms called

A

Triose

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26
Q

What is a monosaccharide with 5 carbon atoms called

A

Pentose

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27
Q

What is a monosaccharide with 6 carbon atoms called

A

Hexose

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28
Q

What is an isomer

A

A molecule that has the same chemical formula but a different arrangement of atoms

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29
Q

Give 2 examples of Pentose sugars

A
  • Ribose
  • Deoxyribose
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30
Q

Give 3 examples of Hexose sugars

A
  • Glucose
  • Fructose
  • Galactose
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31
Q

What is the formula for a Monosaccharide

A

(CH2O)n

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32
Q

What is the formula for a Triose Sugar

A

C3H6O3

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33
Q

What is the formula for a Pentose Sugar

A

C5H10O5

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34
Q

What is the formula of a Hexose Sugar

A

C6H12O6

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35
Q

What is the formula of Glucose

A

C6H12O6

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36
Q

What are the two isomers of Glucose

A
  • Alpha (α)
  • Beta (β)
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37
Q

What makes Glucose an α Glucose

A

Th OH is BELOW the C1

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38
Q

What makes Glucose β Glucose

A

The OH is ABOVE the C1

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39
Q

What monosaccharide is Galactose similar to

A

Glucose

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40
Q

How are Glucose and Galactose similar

A

Glucose and galactose all have a central ring of five carbon atoms and one oxygen atom, with a CH<syub>2</sub>XOH group at carbon atom 6. They can also exist in alpha and beta forms.</syub>

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41
Q

What makes Galactose α Galactose

A

The OH is Below C1
The OH is Above C2
The OH is Below C3
The OH is Below C4

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42
Q

What makes Galactose β Galactose

A

The OH is Above C1
The OH is Above C2
The OH is Below C3
The OH is Below C4

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43
Q

What are the functions of monosaccharides

A
  • Source of energy in respiration
  • Building Blocks for larger molecules
  • Intermediates in reactions
  • Constituents of nucleotides
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44
Q

What is a disaccharide

A

2 monosaccharide units bonded together with the formation of a glycosidic bond and elimination of water

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45
Q

How is a disaccharide formed

A

Condensation reaction

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46
Q

How is a disaccharide split into 2 monosaccharides

A

Hydrolysis reaction

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47
Q

α Glucose + α Glucose ⟶

A

Maltose

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48
Q

α Glucose + Fructose ⟶

A

Sucrose

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49
Q

α Glucose + Galactose ⟶

A

Lactose

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50
Q

Maltose is made of

A

α Glucose + α Glucose

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51
Q

Sucrose is made of

A

α Glucose + Fructose

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52
Q

Lactose is made of

A

α Glucose + Galactose

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53
Q

What are the component monosaccharides of maltose and what is a biological role

A
  • α Glucose + α Glucose
  • In Germinating Seedlings
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54
Q

What are the component monosaccharides of sucrose and what is a biological role

A
  • α Glucose + Fructose
  • Transport in phloem of flowering plants
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55
Q

What are the component monosaccharides of lactose and what is a biological role

A
  • α Glucose + Galactose
  • In mammal milk
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56
Q

How do you test for reducing sugars

A

Boil with benedicts solution ⟶ brick red precipitate / orange / yellow

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57
Q

How do you test for non reducing sugars

A

Get a negative result for a reducing sugar test. Heat with Hydrochloric acid, then add an alkali. Boil with Benedicts solution ⟶ brick red precipitate / orange / yellow

58
Q

What is a qualitative test

A

Tells you if a molecule is present

59
Q

What is a semi-qualitative test

A

Tells you the relative concentrations of solutions but no actual values

60
Q

What is a quantitative test

A

Gives a numerical value for a concentration

61
Q

What is a biosensor

A

A device that combines a biomolecule sucha s an enzyme with a tranducer to produce an electrical signal which measures the concentration of a chemical.

62
Q

What is a Polysaccharide

A

Large complex polymers. Their Monomers are Monosaccharide units and they are linked by Glycosydic Bonds

63
Q

Why must Glucose be stored as glycogen or starch inside cells

A

Glucose is soluble in water, and so it would increase the solute concentration and therefore draw in water by osmosis.

64
Q

Epxlain the features of a good Storage molecule

A
  • Long branches - glucose molecules can be easily added or removed
  • Insoluble - no osmotic effect
  • Can’t diffuse out of the cell
  • Compact - can be stored in small spaces
  • High energy content in C–H & C–C
65
Q

What are the storage polysaccharides

A
  • Starch
    - Amylose
    - Amylopectin
  • Glycogen
66
Q

What is the monomer of Amylose

A

α Glucose

67
Q

What is the position of the bond(s) in Amylose

A

1 - 4

68
Q

What is the orientationof the monomers of Amylose

A

Same way up

69
Q

What shape does Amylose form

A

The chain spirals in a coil

70
Q

What is the monomer for Amylopectin

A

α Glucose

71
Q

What is the position of the bond(s) on Amylopectin

A

1 - 4 & 1 - 6

72
Q

What is the orientation for the monomers on Amylopectin

A

Same way up

73
Q

What is the shape of Amylopectin

A

The chain coils and forms some branches

74
Q

What is the monomer for Glycogen

A

α Glucose

75
Q

What is the position of the bond(s) for Glycogen

A

1 - 4 & 1 - 6

76
Q

What is the orientation of the monomers for Glycogen

A

Same way up

77
Q

What is the shape of Glycogen

A

Forms coils and many branches

78
Q

How do you test for starch

A

Add a few drops of iodine
Positive result - Blue/Black

79
Q

Where is starch found

A

In plants - in the leaf

80
Q

Where is Glycogen found

A

In animals - primarily in the liver or muscle

81
Q

What are the features of a structural molecule

A
  • Long straight chains, crosslinked with Hydrogen bonds for strength
  • Insoluble
  • Chitin is lightweight and waterproof
  • Cellulose is freely permeable to water which goes through the crosshatch
82
Q

What is the monomer of Cellulose

A

ß Glucose

83
Q

What is the position of the bonds of Cellulose

A

1 - 4

84
Q

What is the orientation of the monomers in Cellulose

A

Every adjacent monomer inverts and rotates 180°

85
Q

What is the shape of Cellulose

A

Long straight chains crosslink with hydrogen bonds
Form microfibrils.

86
Q

What is the monomer for Chitin

A

ß Glucose

87
Q

What is the position of the bonds for Chitin

A

1 - 4

88
Q

What is the orientation of the monomers for Chitin

A

Every adjacent monomer inverts and rotates 180°

89
Q

What shape does Chitin form

A

Long straight chains crosslink with hydrogen bonds
Form Mucopolysaccharides

90
Q

Where is cellulose found

A

In the plant cell wall

91
Q

Where is Chitin found

A

In insect exosleletons and Fungi cell walls

92
Q

Why is Chitin not a true polysaccharide

A

There is a nitrate atom in the acetylamine group

93
Q

What are lipids

A

Lipids contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, but much less oxygen in proportion to the carbon and hydrogen.

94
Q

Are lipids polar or non-polar

A

Non-polar

95
Q

Are lipids soluble in water

A

No

96
Q

Why aren’t lipids soluble in water

A

They are non-polar and can’t form hydrogen bonds with water

97
Q

What are Triglycerides

A

One glycerol and 3 fatty acids bonded together

98
Q

What does glycerol contain

A
  • 3 OH Groups
  • 3 Carbons Bonded
  • Saturated with Hydrogen
99
Q

What does a fatty acid consist of

A
  • A Carboxyll group
  • Saturated Hydrocarbon Chain
100
Q

How is a Triglyceride formed

A
  • 3 Fatty acids join to a glycerol by condensation
  • 3 H2O molecules are released
  • Ester Bonds are formed between the glycerol and Fatty Acids
101
Q

What bond is formed when a Triglyceride is formed

A

Ester

102
Q

What is an Ester Bond

A

Where an oxygen atom joins 2 atoms together. One of the two is a carbon atom double bonded to another oxygen

103
Q

What is a saturated fatty acid

A

A fatty acid with only single bonds between the carbon atoms

104
Q

What do lipids containing only saturated fatty acids generally form at room temperature and why.

A

Fform fats at room temperature. Fatty acid tails are straight and can pack closely together. Stronger forces of attraction form which means more energy is needed to break the bonds and melt the fat therefore the melting point is higher.

105
Q

What is an unsaturated fatty acid

A

A fatty acid with one or more double bonds between carbon atoms

106
Q

What is a Monounsaturated Fat

A

1 double Carbon bond in the Fatty Acid

107
Q

What is a Polyunsaturated Fat

A

2 or more double Carbon bonds in the Fatty Acids

108
Q

What do lipids containing unsaturated fatty acids generally form at room temperature and why.

A

Usually oils at room temperature. The double bonds make the fatty acid tails kink so they can’t pack as closely together. The forces of attraction between the fatty acids are weaker, so less energy is needed to break the bonds and melt the fat so they have a lower melting point.

109
Q

What is a phospholipid

A

A lipid containing:
* A Glycerol
* A Phosphate ion - Hydrophyllic Head
* 2 Fatty Acid chains - Hydrophobic Tail

110
Q

What are Waxes

A

Lipids that melt above 45°C

111
Q

What are the functions of Triglycerides

A
  • Thermal Insulation- Prevent heat loss or gain (when hot)
  • Protection - Fat is often stored around delicate organs
  • Produces Metabolic Water - Released from chemical reactions
  • Energy Reserve - 1g of Lipids release 2x the amount of energy as 1g of Carbohydrates because there are more C – H Bonds
112
Q

What is the function of waxes

A

Waterproofing - e.g waxy cuticle on leaves

113
Q

What is the function of Phospholipids

A
  • Structure - Forms a phospholipid bilayer in biological membranes
  • Electrical Insulation - e.g the myelin sheath that surrounds the axons of nerve cells
114
Q

How do you test for Lipids

A

Mix a sample with ethanol and then shake with water. Form a white cloudy solution

115
Q

What are the main causes of heart disease

A
  • Hypertension
  • Atheroma - Atherosclerosis
116
Q

What factors contribute to heart diseases

A
  • Diet high in unsaturated fats
  • Smoking or Vaping
  • Lack of Exercise
  • Age
117
Q

What happens if a diet is high in Saturated Fat

A
  • Low Density Lipoprotein builds up and cause an atheroma to form
  • Bloodflow is restricted to the heart
  • Less oxygen and Glucose is delivered to cardiac muscle
  • Results in angina or if completely blocked a Myocardial Infarction
118
Q

What happens if a diet is high in Unsaturated Fat

A
  • More High Density Lipoprotein is produced
  • These carry harmful fat to the liver for breakdown
  • The higher the ratio of HDL:LDL the lower the risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease
119
Q

Is HDL good for the body

A

Yes

120
Q

Is LDL good for the body

A

No

121
Q

What are proteins

A

Polymers made up of about 20 amino acids

122
Q

What atoms do proteins contain

A
  • N
  • C
  • H
  • O
123
Q

What is the structure of an amino acid

A

A central Carbon atom bonded to:
* An amino group - NH2
* A Carboxyl Group called the C terminal
* A Hydrogen Atom
* The R Group

124
Q

How to Amino Acids Polymerise

A

Through a Condensation reaction

125
Q

What is the bond between two amino acids called

A

Peptide Bond

126
Q

What is a peptide bond

A

The Chemical bond formed by a condensation reaction between the amino acid and the carboxyl group of another

127
Q

Do two amino acids bonded together have the same chemical proprties if they are arranged differently

A

No

128
Q

What is the Primary Structure

A

The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain
Based on:
* which amino acids are present
* the number of each type of amino acid present
* the sequence of amino acids in the polypeptide chain

129
Q

What is the Secondary Structure

A

The shape the polypeptide forms as a result of hydrogen bonding between the –CO groups and –NH groups in the peptide bonds. This causes the polypeptide chain to be twisted into a 3d shape.
The two most common types are:
* alpha helix
* beta pleated sheet

130
Q

What is the tertiary structure

A

The protein folds even more to give a more complex 35 globular shape.
This tertiary structure is maintained by:
* Ionic bonds - formed from charged variable groups
* Covalent bonds - formed between 2 variable groups containing sulfur atoms to form a disulfide bridge. Strong and more difficult to break
* Additional hydrogen bonds - form between polar variable groups
* Hydrophobic interactions - take place when the variable groups are non-polar, and found on the inside of the protein

Many globular proteins have a metabolic function in organisms:
* Enzymes – active sites to bind to a substrate
* Antibodies – sites for binding to antigens
* Hormones – sites for binding to specific receptors

131
Q

What bonds maintain a 3d globular shape

A
  • Hydrogen Bonds
  • Ionic Bonds
  • Disulphide bonds
  • Hydrophobic Interactions
132
Q

What functions to 3d globular proteins have

A

Metabolic functions such as:
* Enzymes – active sites to bind to a substrate
* Antibodies – sites for binding to antigens
* Hormones – sites for binding to specific receptors

133
Q

What is Quaternary Structure

A

The arrangement of several polypeptide chains to form a fully functioning protein. They may also be associated with non-protein groups and form large, complex molecules, such as haemoglobin.

134
Q

What are Fibrous Proteins

A

Long thin molecules with structural functions. Polypeptides in parallel chains or in sheets with many cross-linkages forming long fibres. Fibrous Proteins are strong and tough.

135
Q

Give an example of a fibrous protein

A

Collagen

136
Q

What is Collagen

A

A fibrous protein, providing the strength and toughness needeed in tendons.

137
Q

What is the structure of collagen

A

Fibrous protein. A single fibre consists of three identical polypeptide chains twisted around eachother like a rope. The three chains are linked by hydrogen bonds, making them very stable.

138
Q

What is a Globular protein

A

Compact proteins folded into spherical molecules. Soluble in water.

139
Q

What are functions of globular proteins

A

Many different functions including:
* Enzymes
* Antibodies
* Plasma Proteins
* Hormones

140
Q

What is Haemoglobin

A

Globular Protein onsisting of four folded polypeptide chains, and at the centre of which is the iron-containing group - Haem.

141
Q

How do you test for protein

A

Add a few drops of biuret reagent. If a protein is present, the colour changes from Blue → Purple

Biology (10 decks)

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