Intro to Biochemistry

Question 1

Covalent Bonds

Answer 1

• Covalent Bond: the sharing of a pair of valence electrons by 2 atoms
• Polar Cov Bond: where electrons aren’t shared equally
• Molecule: 2 or more atoms connected by covalent bonds

Question 2

Weak Chemical Interactions

Answer 2

• Hydrogen Bonds: interactions between an electropositive hydrogen and an electronegative atom
• Van der Waals Interactions: weak interactions occurring btwn temporarily charged atoms/molecules (weaker)

Question 3

Water’s Functions

Answer 3

• Unique properties of water are a result of extensive hydrogen bonding
  1. Cohesive Behaviour
  2. Moderates Temperature
  3. Expands Upon Freezing
  4. Versatile Solvent

Question 4

Organic Molecules

Answer 4

• Molecules containing carbon

- Hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen are 3 other important elements found in organic molecules

Question 5

Isomers (Definition & 3 Types)

Answer 5

• Molecules with the same chemical makeup but different organization
  1. Structural: linear vs branched vs ring
  2. Cis-Trans: hydrogen placement; same side - cis, different side - trans
  3. Enantiomer: mirror-image

Question 6

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

Answer 6

• an energetic organic molecule that provides the energy required for many cellular processes