Molecules of Life

Question 1

Name the major elements used to construct human biomolecules - 10

Answer 1

Oxygen
Carbon
Hydrogen
Sulfur
Nitrogen
Potassium
Sodium 
Chlorine
Phosphorus

Question 2

State the importance of chemical functional groups in determining biomolecular function.

Answer 2

Functional groups can affect how the molecule acts around others

e.g Hydroxyl groups allow for hydrogen bonding and solubility in water.

Also, Sulfur groups allow di-sulfide bridges

Question 3

State the importance of molecular configuration in determining biomolecular function

Answer 3

Configuration- The fixed arrangement of atoms in a molecule for example CIS/TRANS

Question 4

State the importance of conformation in determining biomolecular function

Answer 4

Conformation- The precise arrangement of atoms in a molecule (free rotation etc.)

Question 5

How many types of chemical reactions occur in living organisms?

Answer 5

5

Question 6

Give me an example of a redox reaction

Answer 6

Usually, 2 electrons are gained or lost. For example Glycolysis in muscles- Glucose -> Pyruvate-> Lactate

OIL RIG

Question 7

Give me an example of Making and breaking of carbon to carbon bonds?

Answer 7

Cleavage of glucose in glycolysis

Question 8

Give me an example of internal rearrangements?

Answer 8

Glucose-6-phosphate -> Fructose-6-phosphate in Glycolysis

Question 9

Give me an example of Group Transfers?

Answer 9

An example would be the transfer of phosphate groups in glycolysis

Question 10

Give me an example of condensation/Hydrolysis?

Answer 10

The formation and breaking of nucleic acids and proteins by condensation and hydrolysis reactions respectively.