Module 2 - Foundations in Biology Flashcards
What is a monomer?
Smaller units from which larger molecules are made
What is a polymer?
Molecules made from repeating monomers in a chain
What are macromolecules?
Complex molecules with a very
large molecular mass.
Formed from different monomers and polymers
What is a condensation reaction?
A chemical process by which 2 molecules are joined together to make a larger, more complex molecule, with the loss of water
What groups do condensation reactions occur between?
2 facing hydroxl groups (OH)
What are condensation reactions the basis for?
The synthesis of biological macro-molecules and polymers from their simpler sub-units
What is hydrolysis?
When a large molecule is split into smaller sections by breaking a bond using a molecule of water.
Adding hydrogen to one section + hydroxl group to another.
What are the three types of carbohydrates? (monomers)
Monosaccharides
Disaccharides
Polysaccharides
What are the three functions of carbohydrates?
Source of energy - substrate in photosynthesis
Store of energy - e.g. stored as glycogen in livers
Structural importance -e.g cellulose in cell walls
What are the monomers that make up carbohydrates?
Monsaccharides.
What are the forms of glucose?
Alpha and beta - because it is an isomer.
How many carbon atoms are in glucose?
Six - hexose monosaccharide.
Describe how the structure of glucose relates to its functions
Its structure makes it soluble so energy can be easily transported around the plants and animals. Its chemical bonds contain a lot of energy.
What are monosaccharides joined together by?
Glycosidic bonds.
How is a disaccharide formed?
When two monosaccarides join together.
How is a polysaccharide formed?
When more than two monosaccarides join together.
How is a maltose formed?
Two glucose molecules joined by 1-4 glycosidic bond.
How is a sucrose formed?
Glucose + fructose joined by beta 1-4 glycosidic bond.
How is lactose formed?
Galactose + glucose joined by alpha 1-4 glycosidic bond.
What is the 1-4 carbon bond?
1st carbon of 1st alpha molecule is bonded to the 4th carbon of the 2nd alpha molecule.
What is starch formed from?
Amylase + amylopectin.
What is cellulose formed from?
Long unbranched chains of beta-glucose
What is a calcium cation necessary for?
- nerve impulse transmission
- muscle contraction
What is a sodium ion necessary for?
- nerve impulse transmission
- kidney function
