Topic 1---A: Biological molecules- 1. Molecules of life Flashcards
What is the evidence for evolution?
Is information that supports the theory of evolution.
- They all share some biochemistry.
- They all contain the same groups of carbon-based compounds that interact in similar ways.
- For example, they use the same nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) as genetic material and the same amino acids to build proteins.
What is the theory of evolution?
It’s the theory that all organisms on earth are descended from one or a few common ancestors and that they have changed and diversified over time.
What are polymers?
Polymers are large, complex molecules composed of long chains of monomers joined together.
What are examples of polymers?
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Nucleic acids
What are monomers?
Monomers are small, basic molecular units that can form a polymer.
What are examples of monomers?
- Monosaccharides
- Amino acids
- Nucleotides
How do you make polymers?
Their formed from their monomers by condensation reactions.
What is a condensation reaction?
- They form a chemical bond between monomers.
- Release a molecule of water.
How can polymers be broken down into monomers?
Biological polymers can be broken down into monomers by hydrolysis reactions.
What is a hydrolysis reaction?
- They break the chemical bond between the monomers.
- They require a water molecule.
