[Unit 1.1] | Introduction To Biological Molecules

Question 1

What is Covalent Bonding?

Answer 1

Where non-metal atoms share a pair of electrons to stabilise the outer shells (and form molecules).

Question 2

What is Ionic Bonding?

Answer 2

Refers to electrostatic attraction between metal cations & non-metal anions. (It is weaker than covalent bonding.)

Question 3

What is Hydrogen Bonding?

Answer 3

• A type of dipole-dipole interaction where the partially positive terminal of a hydrogen atom (which is covalently bonded to a Nitrogen, Fluorine or Oxygen atom) is attracted to the partially negative terminal of another Nitrogen, Fluorine or Oxygen atom.

Question 4

What is a Polymer?

Answer 4

A chain of monomers.

Question 5

What is Condensation?

Answer 5

Removing a molecule of water (H₂O) to connect 2 monomers.

Question 6

What is Hydrolysis?

Answer 6

The process of breaking a bond by adding water (H₂O) under certain conditions, such as using a catalyst.

Question 7

What is Metabolism?

Answer 7

All the chemical processes that take place in an organism are grouped under the term metabolism.

Question 8

• What is a Mole?

• What is a Molar Solution?

Answer 8

• A unit of measurement where 1 mole is equivalent to the number of atoms in 12 grams of Carbon-12. (6.022x10²³ atoms)

• A solution that contains 1 mole of solute for every litre of solvent.