Introduction to biological molecules Flashcards
How are polymers made?
Some polymers are made industrially, for example polyethene. Others, such as polysaccharides, are made naturally by living organisms.
What forms polynucleotides?
Mononucleotide sub-units.
What molecule is gained when polymerisation occurs in organisms?
Each time a new sub-unit is attached a molecule of water is formed. This makes it a condensation reaction.
What is hydrolysis?
Polymers can be broken down through the addition of water. Water molecules are used when breaking down the bonds that link a polymer, thereby splitting a molecule into its constituent parts.
What is metabolism?
All the chemical processes that take in living organisms are collectively termed metabolism.
How many particles does a mole contain?
The same number of particles as there are in 12g of carbon-12 atoms. This number is called the Avogadro constant.
What’s a molar solution?
A solution that contains one mole of solute in each litre of solution.
What’s a mole?
A mole is the molecular mass expressed as grams.
What happens in hydrogen bonding?
electrostatic bonds form between oppositely charged regions. A weak electrostatic bond is formed between the two regions, however they collectively form important forces that alter the physical properties of molecules.
Describe what reactions do to monomers and polymers.
Monomers are joined together by condensation reactions and are broken down by hydrolysis reactions.
What is the avogadro constant?
it is the number of atoms in 12 g of carbon-12.
