Exam 2 Flashcards
Define polar molecule
Has a negative and positive end, uneven distribution of charges
What important characteristics does water exhibit because of this polar nature?
. Forms 4 hydrogen bonds with nearby water molecules
a. Hugh boiling point (100 degrees)- mainly liquid state
b. Ice is less dense than water-insulating layer in ponds and streams
- Good solvent for charged or polar molecules
- Synthesis and dehydration reactions
- Excellent temperature buffer-due to bonds helps maintain a constant temperature
How are these characteristics important to living organisms?
Without water, all living things would be dead. Temperature changes would be too much. Without Solvent abilities, we would not be able to dissolve substances.
How does an inorganic molecule differ from an organic molecule? Which type of molecule makes up 99% of living matter? Why?
Organic molecules are large, more complex, and always have carbon and hydrogen while an inorganic molecule is the opposite. organic molecules make up 99% of living matter because carbon atoms can combine in a large number of ways with other carbon atoms and atoms of other elements.
How does an acid differ from a base (what do they dissociate into)?
An acid is a hydrogen ion donor (dissociates into H+), while a base is a hydrogen ion acceptor (dissociates into OH-).
what is a salt
A salt is a substance that dissociates in water, neither of which is H+ or OH-.
What are the four major classes of organic molecules?
carbohydrate, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids
What are the functions of carbohydrate
- (CH2O)n- 2:1- hydrogen to oxygen
a. Functions: the building block of DNA or part of block
b. Structural: for cell wall- cellulose, peptidoglycan
c. Synthesis of amino acids and fats
d. Food reserves as glycogen
e. energy
what are the functions of lipids
- fats or triglycerides or phospholipids, in general, nonpolar
a. Structure of plasma membranes-phospholipid
b. Energy storage form-fats
what are functions of proteins
- 50 % dry weight of cell
a. Enzymes- lower activation energy
b. Transport proteins- move substances in and out of cell
c. Toxins and bacteriocins- defense mechanisms
d. In movement-flagella
e. In structure- cell wall
f. In regulation- hormones
what are functions of nucleic acids
a. DNA-blue print for cell
b. RNA- role in protein production
What are the building blocks of proteins?
A. Amino acids (20)
B. Joined by peptide bonds
C. Levels of protein structure
List, describe, and identify (from picture), the levels of the protein structure.
- Primary- sequence of amino acids (a polypeptide)
- Secondary- alpha (a) helix and beta (B) pleated sheet (H bonds)
- Tertiary- 3D structure (disulfide S-S bonds)
- Quaternary- 2 or more polypeptide chains
What is the building block of a nucleic acid? Of a nucleotide?
Nucleotides
Of a nucleotide:
- 5-carbon sugar- deoxyribose or ribose
- Base- adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine (uracil)
- phosphate
What are the three basic shapes of bacterial cells?
Coccus (sphere-shaped)
Bacillus (rod-shaped)
Spiral (spiral-shaped)
Which shape is most resistant to drying and why?
Coccus- has a low S/V ratio
Which shape is most sensitive to drying and why?
Spiral- high S/V ratio
What is the difference between virulence and a virulence factor?
Virulence- the degree to which a pathogen CAUSES disease
Virulence factor- component of an organism that determines its capacity to cause disease
What is a prokaryotic glycocalyx?
A sugar layer “coat” surrounding the cell
Made up of polysaccharides, polypeptides or both
Made inside cell
What two types of glycocalyx can you find in bacteria?
capsule
slime layer
function of capsule
Capsule
Firmly attached to cell wall
Protects cells from phagocytosis.
Attachment to tissue
food source
biofilm attachment
function of slime layer
Loosely attached to cell wall
Trap nutrients
biofilm attachment