Metabolic Molecules (2.1) Flashcards

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1
Q

What is an organic compound?

A

A compound that contains carbon and is found in living things.

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2
Q

Why does carbon form the basis of organic life?

A

Because each carbon atoms forms four covalent bonds allowing a great diversity of compounds to exist. These covalent bonds are relatively strong so the molecules formed are stable.

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3
Q

Important carbon compounds

A

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids.

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4
Q

What are the three groups of carbohydrates?

A

Monosaccharides (single sugar units)Disaccharides (two sugar units)Polysaccharides (many sugar units)

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5
Q

What are lipids made up of?

A

Lipids exist in many different structures so do not have a recurring monomer. However, many lipids contain fatty acid chains as part of their structure. Fatty acid chains are long chains of hydrocarbons that can be saturated or unsaturated.

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6
Q

What are proteins made up of?

A

Monomers called amino acids, which join together to form polypeptide chains.

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7
Q

What are nucleic acids made up of?

A

Monomers called nucleotides, which join together to form polynucleotide chains. Nucleotides are made up of a pentose sugar, a phosphate group and a nitrogenous base.

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8
Q

Theory of Vitalism

A

The idea that living organisms were composed of organic molecules that could only be produced by a ‘vital force’.

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9
Q

How was the Theory of Vitalism falsified?

A

The synthesis of Urea by Fredrich Wohler in 1828.

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10
Q

Explain the synthesis of Urea

A

Urea is produced naturally in human urine but Wohler synthesised Urea using silver isocyanate and ammonium chloride.

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11
Q

Metabolism

A

The web of all enzyme-catalysed reactions that occur within a cell or organism.

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12
Q

What functions does metabolism serve?

A

1) A source of energy for cellular processes like growth.2) Enables the synthesis of new materials for use within the cell.

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13
Q

What is a metabolic pathway?

A

A series of chemical reactions within a cell.

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14
Q

What is anabolism?

A

The synthesis of complex molecules from simpler molecules. Typically occurs via condensation reactions. Example: The synthesis of glucose from CO2 in photosynthesis

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15
Q

What is catabolism?

A

The breakdown of complex molecules into simpler molecules. Typically occurs via hydrolysis reactions. Example: The breakdown of glucose into CO2 and H2O in respiration.

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