Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

A Level Biology > Biological Compounds > Flashcards

Biological Compounds Flashcards

(53 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

What is an organic compound?

A

A chemical compound that contains 1 or more carbon atoms covalently bonded to other elements such as hydrogen.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is an inorganic compound?

A

A chemical compound in which no more than 1 carbon atoms is covalently bonded to another element Eg salts and acids

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the use of nitrate on living organisms?

A

It is required to make DNA and amino acids.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the use of calcium on living organisms?

A

It is needed to form calciujm pectate for the middle lamellae between the cell walls of adjacent cells.
Also used in the strengthening of bondes, muscle contraction and hormone secretion.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the use of phosphate on living organisms?

A

Used in the double helix of DNA, cell membranes and are a compenent in ATP and ADP.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the use of magnesium on living organisms?

A

A compenent on chlorophyll used in plants for photosynthesis. Also used for protein synthesis and ion transport.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the use of iron in living organisms?

A

A compenent in haemoglobin, DNA synthesis and hormone production.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Why is water a polar molecule?

A

As it has a seperation of charge making it a dipole. This uneven distribution of charge is due to the oxygen atom attracting electrons slightly more making them delta negative and hydrogen delta positive.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Describe how water moles join together?

A

Water molecules are joint together by hydrogen bonds. These are weak intermolecular forces between an oxygen and hydrogen atom.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Describe the role of water as an metabolite?

A

Water is a metabolite in metabolic reactions such as condensation and hydrolysis. It is also a reactant in photosynthesis and produced in aerobic respiration.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Why is water’s high specific heat capasity important for living organisms?

A

Large amounts of energy is required to heat up water thus minimising temperature fluctuations in living organisms and so conditions are kept stable within cells and aquatic enviroments.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Why is water’s high latent heat of vaporisation important for living organisms?

A

Large amounts of energy is requires to change the state of a molecule from liquid to gas, allowing a cooling effect to take place in organisms through the vaporisation of water. Eg sweat.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Why is water’s high surface tension important for living organisms?

A

The high surface tension at the water-air boundary is due to strong cohesive forces. This forms a habitat on the waters surface for insects.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Why is water’s high tensile strength important for living organisms?

A

Waters high tensile strength and cohesive forces enable effective transport of water in tubes. Eg water can be pulled through a plants xylem.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Why is water’s density important for living organisms?

A

Ice is less dense that water and so rises to the surface when fully submerged in water. Therefore providing an insulating layer and support for aquatic organisms in hibernation as it prevents heat loss. The density of water also provides bouyancy (the ability or tendency of something to float).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Why is water as a solvent important for living organisms?

A

Water is a solvent in many metabolic reactions and is good for transport within cells.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Why is it important that water is transparent?

A

Water is colourless with high transmission values allowing light to pass through the cell for photosynthesis and other light dependent reactions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is an carbohydrate?

A

Carbohydrates are molecules which consist of only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in long chains of sugar units called ‘saccharides’.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is an monosaccharide?

A

Small organic molecules that form carbohydrates. They can vary in the number of carbon atoms that they have.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the name of the bond formed when two monosaccharides join together?

A

Glycosidic Bond

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is an disaccharide?

A

Two monosaccharides that join together via a condensation reaction and forming a glycosidic bond.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is the general formula for an monosaccharide?

23
Q

What is the general formula for an disaccharide?

24
Q

What is an polysaccharide?

Study These Flashcards
A

Three or more monosaccharides joint together formed by many condensation reactions.

25
Describe the structure and function of amylose.
Alpha glucose molecules in a straight chain coiled into a helix joined by C1-C4 via a glycosidic bond. It is an energy store in plants.
26
Describe the structure and function of amylopectin.
Alpha helix chain of glucose monomers joined by C1-C4 via a glycosidic bond with C1-C6 branches. It is an energy store in plants.
27
Describe the structure and function of glycogen.
Alpha helix chain of glucose monomers joined by C1-C4 via a glycosidic bond with many C1-C6 branches. It is an energy store in animals. As it is highly branched rapid release of energy can occur through the hydrolysis of glucose ends or by being digested by enzymes.
28
Describe the structure and function of cellulose.
Beta glucose monomers in a straight chain joined by C1-C4 via a glycosidic bond. The glucose molecules alternate and parallel chains are linked by hydrogen bonds forming myofibrils. Main component in cell walls of cells which provide structural support.
29
Describe the structure and function of chitin.
Beta glucose monomers in a straight chain joined by C1-C4 via a glycosidic bond with amino acid side chains linked to C2. The glucose molecules alternate and parallel chains are linked by hydrogen bonds forming myofibrils. Main component in exoskeletons of insects and provide support in fungal cell walls.
30
What is a triglyceride?
A type of lipid made up of one molecule of glycerol and 3 fatty acids attached to it joined by ester bonds formed during a condensation reaction.
31
Describe how the structure of a triglyceride relates to its functions.
High energy to mass ratio- energy storage. Insoluble hydrocarbon chain- waterproofing Slow conductor of heat- thermal insulation Less dense than water- buoyancy of aquatic animals.
32
What is an phospholipid?
A type of lipid made up of one molecule of glycerol, 2 fatty acids and a phosphate group joined by ester bonds via a condensation reaction.
33
Describe how the structure of a phospholipid relates to its functions.
Forms a phopholipid bilayer in cell membranes. Tails splay outwards- waterproofing.
34
What is an unsaturated fat?
Unsaturated fatty acids can be found in plants and contain a carbon double bond. These are healthy fats. *Low melting point
35
What is an saturated fat
Saturated fatty acids are found in animal fats and only have carbon single bonds. *Too much saturated fat increases LDL cholesterol levels increasing the risk of heart disease.
36
How do you differentiate between monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats?
The number of carbon double bonds.
37
What is meant by a low density lipoprotein (LDL)?
A combination of trigylcerides from saturated fats and proteins that carry cholesterol around the body.
38
How to lipoproteins (LDLS) contribute to the risk of cardiovascular disease?
High LDL levels lead to the formation of atheromas.
39
Describe the general structure of an amino acid?
Amino Group Carboxyl Group R Variable Group H Atoms
40
Describe the primary structure of a protein?
The individual order and number of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.
41
Describe the secondary structure of a protein?
Refers to the shape of a polypeptide chain: Alpha Helix or Beta Pleated Sheet. Hydrogen Bonds form these arrangements.
42
Describe the tertiary structure of a protein?
Further folding of the secondary structure from a variety of different bonds: Hydrogen bonds, Ionic bond and Disulphide bridges.
43
Describe the quaternary structure of a protein?
Multiple teritary structure protein chains joint together.
44
Describe how the fibrous structure of a protein relates to their functions.
Fibrous proteins are long and thin and used to form fibrils that are insoluble in water. Eg collagen.
45
Describe how the structure of globular proteins relates to their functions?
Globular proteins are compact and soluble in water making them suitable for metabolic roles.
46
What is the difference between a reducing and non-reducing sugar?
Reducing sugars can donate electrons in chemical reactions acting as reducing agents. Non reducing sugars cannot donate electrons in chemical reactions.
47
Describe the positive result of an reducing sugar from the benedicts test?
Blue to Brick Red
48
Describe the benedicts test for reducing sugars?
1. Add equal volume of sample to benedicts reagant 2. Heat the mixture 3. Observe colour change.
49
Describe the benedicts test for non reducing sugars?
1. Hydrolyse non-reducing sugars with an equal volume of hydrochloric acid. 2. Heat the mixture. 3. Add sodium hydrogen carbonate to neutralise the acid. 4. Re test solution with benedicts reagant. 5. Observe colour change.
50
Describe the biurets test?
1. Add equal volume of sample to sodium hydroxide. 2. Add a few drops of copper(ii) sulphate solution. 3. Observe colour change.
51
Describe the positive result for the biurets test?
Blue- purple
52
Describe the emulsions test for fats and oils?
1. Add ethanol to a sample and shake well. 2. Add equal volume of water. 3. Record observations
53
Describe the positive result of an emulsions test?
White, cloudy emulsion forms

A Level Biology (10 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions