Biological Molecules Flashcards
What are macronutrients?
They are inorganic ions needed in small amounts, eg: magnesium, iron, phosphate and calcium.
What are micronutrients?
Inorganic ions needed in minute(trace) amounts, eg: zinc and copper
Name the 4 key elements that make up biological molecules essential for all living processes.
Hydrogen, Oxygen, Carbon and Nitrogen.
What is the biological importance of magnesium (mention chlorosis)?
It is a constituent of chlorophyll so it is essential for photosynthesis. Chlorosis happens in plants when plants don’t have enough magnesium from the soil so they cannot make chlorophyll resulting in yellow leaves.
What is the biological importance of Iron?
It is a constituent of haemoglobin which transports oxygen in red blood cells. Anaemia is caused by a lack of iron in the diet.
What is the biological importance of Phosphate?
Used for making nucleic acids such as DNA, RNA and ATP. It is a part of phospholipids which are found in plasma membranes.
What is the biological importance of Calcium?
It is a structural component of bones and teeth in mammals, and also a component in plant cell walls providing strength.
What is meant by a compound?
A compound consists of more than one type of atom - two or more elements joined together.
What is meant by inorganic?
They are compounds that do not contain carbon bonded to hydrogen, eg: water, carbon dioxide, nitrogen gas.
What is meant by a molecule?
when two or more atoms are joined together - they can be the same or different.
What is meant by organic?
Compounds that are based on carbon and contain carbon bonded to hydrogen, eg: carbohydrates, lipids and proteins.
What are polymers and also describe polymerisation.
Polymers are made up of smaller molecules linked together called monomers.
Polymerisation is the linking of identical monomers to form larger molecules (polymers)
What happens when two monomers link together and what is the reaction called?
A molecule of water is eliminated and the reaction is called a condensation reaction.
Can a condensation reaction be reversed? And if yes what is the reaction called.
Yes, it is called a hydrolysis reaction which is the chemical insertion of water to the polymer to be broken down into monomers.
