Metabolic Processes Flashcards
Define hydrophobic interaction
Occurs when non-polar molecules clump together in water to shield themselves from water
Which substances will water dissolve
Substances with ionic or polar covalent bonds
Will water dissolve butter or oil?
No because they are non polar
What charge must a molecule have for water to dissolve it?
Must possess full or partial charges
Why do water molecules clump together?
They would rather bond to themselves (polar) and exclude the non- polar substance
What does it mean when a molecule is dissolved?
The ion or molecule has to be completely surrounded by water
Where are H-Bonds located?
Between the partial negative charge of the oxygen from one water molecule and the positive partial charge of the hydrogen of the other water molecule
How many water molecules one water molecule able to H-bond to?
4
Define cohesion
The ability of water to bond with itself
What does cohesion give rise to?
Surface tension
How is an insect walking on water an example of cohesion?
The H bonds in the water create a net to allow the insect to walk on the surface
How does cohesion create droplets?
The water wants to stick to itself and bond together
Define adhesion
The ability of water to bond to other polar or ionic substances
Examples of adhesion
Meniscus and hydrophilic interactions
Define meniscus
Curve at the top of the water when in a polar substance
Will water adhere to a glass or plastic tube?
Will adhere to glass wall because it’s polar- not attracted to plastic tube because it’s non polar (no meniscus)
From where is meniscus measured?
Bottom of the curve
Define macromolecules
Large, complex organic molecules of which living organisms are composed
How do cells make macromolecules?
Dehydration synthesis
Define monomer
Small molecules which are chemically joined to form the larger, more complex biological molecules called polymers (repeating units bonded together)
Define polymer
Long chain of monomers joined chemically- large and complex molecules
Are macromolecules monomers or polymers?
Polymers
What happens to polymers during digestion?
They get broken down into monomers to obtain energy
Define metabolism
The breaking down and building up of polymers
