Topic 1 - Biological Molecules Cause Overview Flashcards
What is the definition of a monomer?
The small unit from which larger molecules are made
What is the definition of a polymer?
Molecules made from a large number of monomers joined together
Give three examples of monomers
- Monosaccharides.
- Amino acids.
- Nucleotides.
What is a condensation reaction?
A reaction that joins two molecules together with the formation of an acidic bond and involves the release of a water molecule.
What is a hydrolysis reaction?
A reaction that separates molecules by breaking a chemical bond and involves the use of a water molecule.
What is the definition of a monosaccharide?
The monomers from which larger carbohydrates are made.
Name three common monosaccharides
- Glucose.
- Fructose.
- Galactose.
Name the two isomers of glucose
Alpha glucose and beta glucose
Describe how disaccharides are formed
By a condensation reaction between two monosaccharides
What are the monosaccharides that form the disaccharide maltose
Glucose and glucose
How is sucrose formed?
Glucose and fructose
How is lactose formed?
Glucose and galactose
Describe the test for a reducing sugar
- Add 2 cm³ of Benedict reagent
- Heat to 100° in a water bath.
- A positive result will change from blue to green yellow orange or red.
Describe the test for non-reducing sugar
- Carry out the reducing sugars test as normal.
- take the negative test add acid and then boil in the water bath.
- Then add an alkaline to neutralise the solution.
- Add Benedict reagent and heat to 100° C.
- A positive result will go from blue to orange or red.
Describe the test for starch
- Add iodine to your sample.
- A positive result will go from orange to blue or black.
Describe the test for lipids.
- add ethanol and water to your sample and shake.
- A positive result will form a milky white emulsion.
Describe the test for proteins.
- Add burette reagent to the sample.
- A positive positive result will go from blue to purple.
Name the monomers in starch
Alpha glucose
Which reactions and bonds join the monomers of starch together?
Condensation and 1-4 and 1-6 glycosidic bonds
State the function of starch
Glucose store in plants
Where is starch found?
Starch grains in plants
Starch is made up of which two molecules
Amylose and amylopectin
Describe the structure of amylose.
Amylose monomers are joined by 1-4 acidic bonds resulting in a spiral shaped polymer.
What is the structure of amylopectin?
Amy pectin monomers are joined by 1-4 and 1-6 acidic bonds resulting in a branched structure.
Explain how the structure of starch relates to its function
- Starch is insoluble due to the fact it is a large molecule so it will not change the water potential of a cell so there is no osmotic effect.
- The spiral shape means that it can be readily compact to store a lot.
- The branching strands provide a larger surface area for enzymes to attach to increase hydrolysis.
Name the monomers in glycogen
Alpha glucose
Which reaction and bonds join the monomers in glycogen?
Condensation reaction and 1-4 and 1-6 glycol acidic bonds.