Life at a Cellular Level 2 Flashcards
What elements do we need large amounts of each day?
- H2
- C
- N2
- O2
- Na
- P
- S
- Cl2
- K
- Ca
What are the four lightest atoms?
- Hydrogen
- Oxygen
- Nitrogen
- Carbon
What kind of bonds can C form?
- Single bonds (H)
- Single and double bonds (O, N)
- Single, double and triple bonds (C)
What defines biomolecular function?
-Functional groups of atoms that involve bonds between carbon and other groups of atoms
Why is the polarity of C bonds critical to functionality?
- C-C and C-H are relatively stable as they share e equally
- C-O and C-N or C- functional group bonds are highly polar which alters the C bond reactivity
Configuration
The fixed arrangement of atoms in a molecule
What is function also dependent on?
The arrangement of groups on the molecule
How can molecules which contain C=C be arranged?
It is a rigid conformation so only 2 arrangements:
- Cis
- Trans
- It is only possible to interconvert between the 2 by breaking and reforming bonds
C can act as a chiral centre. What are the two forms of chiral C?
- Laevo (left handed)
- Dextro (Right handed)
- Only way to rotates is to break and reform bonds
What kind of amino acid are all proteins made from?
L-amino acids
Conformation
The precise arrangement of atoms in a molecule
What do bonds that can rotate allow?
Many different conformations which are inter-convertible without breaking and re-forming covalent bonds
What dictates how freely bonds can rotate?
Interactions of groups around the C-C bond
What are the 5 chemical reactions of life?
- Redox reactions
- Making and breaking C-C bonds
- Internal rearrangements
- Group transfers
- Condensation and hydrolysis
What is oxidation?
Loss
What is reduction?
Gain
