life at cellular level 2 Flashcards
why is carbon present in most biomolecules?
it is the highest and most versatile atom which can form strong covalent bonds
what does the functionality of a biomolecule depend on/
functional groups
configuration: ( arrangement of atoms in the molecule in space)
conformation: ( arrangement of the atoms in the molecule)
why is rotation in molecules with a c=c bond restricted
it is a very strong bond. molecules can only be be reconfigured by breaking-making of bonds.
what does rotation around a bond depend on?
the type of bond: double bonds do not allow rotation
the functional groups attached: opposite charges on functional groups will prevent rotation
chemical reactions involved in changing the function of a biomolecule?
1-REDOX 2-group transfers 3-internal reconfiguration 4-condensation and hydrolysis 5-making and breaking C-C bonds.
redox
OIL RIG
in biological redox 2 e’s and 2 H+’s are generally transferred
e.g. glucose loses to H+ to NADP to form 2xpyruvate
What is a protein?
a polymer made up of monomers of amino acids bonded by peptide bonds.
what is a nucleic acid
a polymer made up of nucleotide monomers which are bound by 3’-5’ phosphodiester bonds
what is a nucleotide made up of?
phosphate group, pentose sugar and a base
types of bases
purines: flat and double ring. A,G
pyrimidines: flat and singles ring C,T,U
What is the main advantage of bases being flat?
they can link up closely together in DNA
what is a polysaccharide?
a polymers made up of sugar monomers linked by glycosidic bonds.
why can D-glucose be oxidised? what does this make it?
it contains an aldehyde group which can be oxidised. Therefore it can act as a reducing sugar.
how to glucose polymers link? and why?
in cyclic form(more stable) except for the last one– reducing sugar.
lipids features
1-made up of 1 or more fatty acid chains
2-if chain is unsaturated (c=c) then structure will have a bend in it due to limited rotation
3-if unsaturated can form new bonds- more likely to be in liquid form
