2 - molecular biology Flashcards

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1
Q

explain importance of hydrogen bonding for living organisms [8]

A
  • cohesion in H2O allow molecules to stick (due to H-bonding)
  • useful in transpiration stream to bring water up the xylem
  • adhesion of H2O to polar molecules or surfaces (due to H-bonding)
  • can help keep leaves moist
  • high latent heat of vaporization, much energy needed for evaporation
  • acts as good coolant
  • solvent properties due to H-bonding with polar/hydrophilic molecules
  • high SHC so there are little temp. fluctuations for organisms with water habitats
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2
Q

compare energy storage abilities of glycogen and triglycerides (include their properties) [3]

A
  • glycogen is a carbohydrate and is soluble
  • triglycerides are lipids are are insoluble

glycogen: short-term storage, energy is not pure, easy to transport

trigly: long-term storage, energy is pure, difficult to transport

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3
Q

mnemonics for drawing biological molecules (carbs, fatty acids, nucleic acid)

A

carbs
- ribose 5C, -OH UDD (C 1-3)
- a-glucose 6C, -OH DDUD (C 1-4)
- b-glucose 6C, switch -OH UDUD (C 1-4)

fatty acid
- no C=C is saturated
- yes C=C is unsaturated

nucleic acid
- ribose, C1 base, C5 phosphate
- phosphodiester from C3 to phosphate
- H-bonding between bases
- upright acid side is 5’ to 3’
- upside down acid side is 3’ to 5’

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4
Q

list general functions of non-membrane proteins [4]

A
  • enzymes
  • hormones
  • histones
  • movement/contraction (actin myosin)
  • immunity
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5
Q

use of lactase in lactose-free milk production [8]

A
  • lactose is a disaccharide found in milk
  • can be broken down by lactase into glucose and galactose
  • lactase can be added into milk to reduce lactose content
  • accommodate those who are lactose-intolerant

//
- glucose and galactose are monosaccharides, so sweeter
- lactose-free milk is generally sweeter, less sugar needed
- bacteria ferment glucose and galactose quicker, so production of yoghurt/cheese is quicker

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