Topic 2.1 - Molecular Biology

Question 1

What is the main element that makes life ideal ?

Answer 1

Carbon

Question 2

What are the four major groups of biological molecules ?

Answer 2

Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids and Nucleic acids

Question 3

What is a carbon atom’s valency ?

Answer 3

4 bonds

Question 4

What is a metabolism composed of ?

Answer 4

Anabolism and Catabolism

Question 5

What is the difference between anabolism and catabolism ?

Answer 5

Anabolism synthesises complex molecules from smaller molecules (condensation) whereas catabolism breaks down complex molecules into simpler ones (hydrolysis).

Question 6

What is the theory of vitalism ?

Answer 6

A theory that an organic molecule cannot be produced from inorganic molecules, but instead can only be produced from a living organism or some part of a living organism.

Question 7

Who first observed urea ?

Answer 7

French chemist Hillaire Rouele

Question 8

Who first synthetically created urea ?

Answer 8

Frederich Wölher

Question 9

What is urea made out of ?

Answer 9

It is the main. nitrogenous waste derived from ammonium (dangerous and unstable for the body).

Question 10

Give the main uses for urea ?

Answer 10

Feed for livestock, skincare and teeth whitening products, industrial wood, cigarettes and resins.