Topic 1: Biological Molecules Flashcards
1
Q
What happens in the charge separation of water molecules?
- How does this occur?
A
- results in the formation of hydrogen bonds
- slightly negative oxygen of one water molecule + attract slightly positive hydrogen molecule of other water molecules causing a weak electrostatic attraction.
2
Q
Name all the properties of water….
- and why they’re important in biological systems.
A
- Polar molecule/ means many ionic substances ( e.g. sodium chloride) will dissolve in it.
- Excellent transport medium/ carries starch as colloids rather than solutions
- Liquid/ so cant be compressed
- Adhesive/ important for plant transport systems and in surface tension
- Slow to release + absorb heat/ means large bodies of water do not change temp as often making them great habitats
- Cohesive/ important for the movement of water in plants
3
Q
What are organic compound?
A
- all contain carbon atoms
- also contain: H, O + sometimes N, S
- Carbohydrates, lipids and proteins
4
Q
What are monosaccharides?
A
- simple sugars
- 1 O + 2H atoms per C
5
Q
Name the 3 types of monosaccharides…
A
- Triose: 3 carbon atoms, important in mitochondria where glucose is broken down into triose sugars during respiration
- Pentose: 5 carbon atoms, ribose + deoxyribose important in nucleic acids for genetic material
- Hexose: 6 carbon atoms, often sweet tasting + include: glucose, galactose + fructose
6
Q
What is an isomer?
A
- same chemical formula, different structure
7
Q
What are disaccharides?
A
- two monosaccharides joined together by condensation reaction
- 1,4 + 1,6
8
Q
Name the 3 disaccharides….
- and what they are for?
A
- Sucrose: stored in plants
( a- glucose + fructose) - Lactose: milk sugar ( a- glucose + b- galactose)
- Maltose: found in germinating seed like barley ( 2 alpha glucose)
9
Q
What are polysaccharides?
A
- Units of monosaccharides joined together from condensation reactions
10
Q
A
