Molecular Biology topic 2.1

Question 1

Metabolism

Answer 1

Metabolism describes the totality of chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life
* It is the web of all enzyme–catalyzed reactions that occur within a particular cell or organism

Question 2

Organic Compounds

Answer 2

Organic compounds are molecules that contain carbon
and are found in living things
* Exceptions include carbonates and oxides of carbon

Question 3

How do carbon atoms form the basis of organic life?

Answer 3

Their capacity to form four covalent bonds, allowing a diversity of stable compounds to exist

Question 4

Biomacromolecules

Answer 4

3. Biomacromolecules are large-sized complex chemicals that have high molecular weight, low solubility and complex configuration.
   They belong to carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acid.

Question 5

There are four main groups of organic compounds in cells:

Answer 5

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids

Question 6

Types of reactions

Answer 6

1. Anabolism
2. Catabolism

Question 7

Anabolism

Answer 7

• The synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones
• Involves condensation reactions (water is produced)
• An example of an anabolic reaction is photosynthesis

Question 8

Catabolism

Answer 8

• The breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones
• Involves hydrolysis reactions (water is consumed)
• An example of a catabolic reaction is cellular respiration