Biological Molecules 3.1.1

Question 1

Describe how hydrogen bonding works

Answer 1

Electrons within a molecule and not evenly distributed, but tend to spend more time at one position. This region is more negatively charged in the rest of the molecule.
A molecule with an uneven distribution of charge said to be polarised.
The negative region of one polarised molecule and the positively charged region of another, attract each other.
A weak electrostatic bond is formed between the two.
A number of which bonds all together can collectively form forces which can alter the physical properties of molecules, especially for water.

Question 2

Define metabolism

Answer 2

Metabolism refers to all the chemical reactions that take place in living organisms

Question 3

Define Catabolism

Answer 3

The set of metabolic pathways that breaks down molecules into smaller units.

Question 4

Define anabolism

Answer 4

The synthesis of complex molecules in living organisms from simpler ones together with the storage of energy; constructive metabolism.