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Core Concepts: Biomolecules Flashcards

1
Q

What is an inorganic molecule or ion

A

A molecule or ion that contains no more than 1 carbon atom

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2
Q

What is magnesium used for in plants and animals

A

Plants:
* Important constituent of chlorophyll
* Lack of magnesium - chlorosis - stunted growth
Animals:
* Mammals need magnesium for bones

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3
Q

What is iron (Fe²⁺) used for

A

Constituent of haemoglobin. Lack of iron causes anaemia

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4
Q

What are phosphates used for

A
  • Used for making nucleotides including ATP
  • Constituent of phospholipids - found in biological membranes
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5
Q

What is calcium used for in plants and animals

A

Plants:
* Component of plant cell walls - strength
Animals:
* Important structural component of bones and teeth

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6
Q

What is a dipole

A

A polar molecule with a positive and a negative charge

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7
Q

What is hydrolysis

A

The breakingdown of large molecules into smaller ones by addition of a water molecule

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8
Q

What is a condensation reaction

A

The chemical process where two molecules combine to form a more complex one. Releases water. New bond formed

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9
Q

What is a hydrogen bond

A

The weak attractive force between the partially positive charge of a hydrogen atom of one molecule and the partially negative charge of the other atom - O or N

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10
Q

What is Specific Heat Capaciy

A

The energy required to raise the temperature of 1g of a substance by 1°C

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11
Q

What is Latent Heat of Vapourisation

A

The energy required to convert 1 g of a liquid into vapour at the same time

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12
Q

What are the properties of water

A
  • A solvent
  • High Specific Heat Capacity
  • High latent heat of vapourisation
  • Cohesion
  • High surface tension
  • Ice is less dense than water
  • Transparrent
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13
Q

How is water a solvent and why is it useful

A

Water molecules are dipoles. They attract charged particles and dissolve these in water. Water acts as a transport medium. Non Polar molecules don’t dissolve.

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14
Q

Why is water described as a universal water solvent

A

Because water is such a good solvent

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15
Q

How is water a metabolite

A

Water is used in many biochemical eactions as a reactant. Many reactions involve Hydrolysis or Condensation

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16
Q

Why does water have a high specific heat capacity and why is it important

A

The hydrogen bonds between water molecules restrict their movement, restricting an increase in kinetic energy nd therefore temperature. This prevents large fluctuations in water temperature, which keeps aquatic environments stable. Allows enzymes inside the cell to work efficiently

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17
Q

Why is it important for water to have a high latent heat of vapourisation

A

This is important for temperature control, where heat is used to vapourise water from sweat on the skin or from a leaf’s surface

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18
Q

How is water cohesive and why is it important

A

Water molecules attract eachother forming hydrogen bonds. Water molecules stick to eachother in a lattice. Allows columns of water to be drawn up xylem vessels in plants

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19
Q

Why is the fact that ice is less dense than water important

A

This forms an insulating layer over the surface of aquatic habitats; ponds and other aquatic habitats do not freeze solid so animals can still move/swim.

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20
Q

Why is water’s transparency important

A

Light can pass through and let aquatic plants photosynthesis effectively

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21
Q

What does an organic molecule mean

A

A molecule that has a high proportion of carbon atoms

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22
Q

What is a carbohydrate

A

An organic compound containing Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen

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23
Q

What is the basic unit of a carbohydrate

A

a monosaccharide

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24
Q

What is a monosaccharide

A
  • Small organic molecules
  • Building blocks for larger carbohydrates
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25
What is a monosaccharide with 3 carbon atoms called
Triose
26
What is a monosaccharide with 5 carbon atoms called
Pentose
27
What is a monosaccharide with 6 carbon atoms called
Hexose
28
What is an isomer
A molecule that has the same chemical formula but a different arrangement of atoms
29
Give 2 examples of Pentose sugars
* Ribose * Deoxyribose
30
Give 3 examples of Hexose sugars
* Glucose * Fructose * Galactose
31
What is the formula for a Monosaccharide
(CH2O)n
32
What is the formula for a Triose Sugar
C3H6O3
33
What is the formula for a Pentose Sugar
C5H10O5
34
What is the formula of a Hexose Sugar
C6H12O6
35
What is the formula of Glucose
C6H12O6
36
What are the two isomers of Glucose
* Alpha (α) * Beta (β)
37
What makes Glucose an α Glucose
Th OH is BELOW the C1
38
What makes Glucose β Glucose
The OH is ABOVE the C1
39
What monosaccharide is Galactose similar to
Glucose
40
How are Glucose and Galactose similar
Glucose and galactose all have a central ring of five carbon atoms and one oxygen atom, with a CH2XOH group at carbon atom 6. They can also exist in alpha and beta forms.
41
What makes Galactose α Galactose
The OH is Below C1 The OH is Above C2 The OH is Below C3 The OH is Below C4
42
What makes Galactose β Galactose
The OH is Above C1 The OH is Above C2 The OH is Below C3 The OH is Below C4
43
What are the functions of monosaccharides
* Source of energy in respiration * Building Blocks for larger molecules * Intermediates in reactions * Constituents of nucleotides
44
What is a disaccharide
2 monosaccharide units bonded together with the formation of a glycosidic bond and elimination of water
45
How is a disaccharide formed
Condensation reaction
46
How is a disaccharide split into 2 monosaccharides
Hydrolysis reaction
47
α Glucose + α Glucose ⟶
Maltose
48
α Glucose + Fructose ⟶
Sucrose
49
α Glucose + Galactose ⟶
Lactose
50
Maltose is made of
α Glucose + α Glucose
51
Sucrose is made of
α Glucose + Fructose
52
Lactose is made of
α Glucose + Galactose
53
What are the component monosaccharides of maltose and what is a biological role
* α Glucose + α Glucose * In Germinating Seedlings
54
What are the component monosaccharides of sucrose and what is a biological role
* α Glucose + Fructose * Transport in phloem of flowering plants
55
What are the component monosaccharides of lactose and what is a biological role
* α Glucose + Galactose * In mammal milk
56
How do you test for reducing sugars
Boil with benedicts solution ⟶ brick red precipitate / orange / yellow
57
How do you test for non reducing sugars
Get a negative result for a reducing sugar test. Heat with Hydrochloric acid, then add an alkali. Boil with Benedicts solution ⟶ brick red precipitate / orange / yellow
58
What is a qualitative test
Tells you if a molecule is present
59
What is a semi-qualitative test
Tells you the relative concentrations of solutions but no actual values
60
What is a quantitative test
Gives a numerical value for a concentration
61
What is a biosensor
A device that combines a biomolecule sucha s an enzyme with a tranducer to produce an electrical signal which measures the concentration of a chemical.
62
What is a Polysaccharide
Large complex polymers. Their Monomers are Monosaccharide units and they are linked by Glycosydic Bonds
63
Why must Glucose be stored as glycogen or starch inside cells
Glucose is soluble in water, and so it would increase the solute concentration and therefore draw in water by osmosis.
64
Epxlain the features of a good Storage molecule
* Long branches - glucose molecules can be easily added or removed * Insoluble - no osmotic effect * Can't diffuse out of the cell * Compact - can be stored in small spaces * High energy content in C--H & C--C
65
What are the storage polysaccharides
* Starch - Amylose - Amylopectin * Glycogen
66
What is the monomer of Amylose
α Glucose
67
What is the position of the bond(s) in Amylose
1 - 4
68
What is the orientationof the monomers of Amylose
Same way up
69
What shape does Amylose form
The chain spirals in a coil
70
What is the monomer for Amylopectin
α Glucose
71
What is the position of the bond(s) on Amylopectin
1 - 4 & 1 - 6
72
What is the orientation for the monomers on Amylopectin
Same way up
73
What is the shape of Amylopectin
The chain coils and forms some branches
74
What is the monomer for Glycogen
α Glucose
75
What is the position of the bond(s) for Glycogen
1 - 4 & 1 - 6
76
What is the orientation of the monomers for Glycogen
Same way up
77
What is the shape of Glycogen
Forms coils and many branches
78
How do you test for starch
Add a few drops of iodine Positive result - Blue/Black
79
Where is starch found
In plants - in the leaf
80
Where is Glycogen found
In animals - primarily in the liver or muscle
81
What are the features of a structural molecule
* Long straight chains, crosslinked with Hydrogen bonds for strength * Insoluble * Chitin is lightweight and waterproof * Cellulose is freely permeable to water which goes through the crosshatch
82
What is the monomer of Cellulose
ß Glucose
83
What is the position of the bonds of Cellulose
1 - 4
84
What is the orientation of the monomers in Cellulose
Every adjacent monomer inverts and rotates 180°
85
What is the shape of Cellulose
Long straight chains crosslink with hydrogen bonds Form microfibrils.
86
What is the monomer for Chitin
ß Glucose
87
What is the position of the bonds for Chitin
1 - 4
88
What is the orientation of the monomers for Chitin
Every adjacent monomer inverts and rotates 180°
89
What shape does Chitin form
Long straight chains crosslink with hydrogen bonds Form Mucopolysaccharides
90
Where is cellulose found
In the plant cell wall
91
Where is Chitin found
In insect exosleletons and Fungi cell walls
92
Why is Chitin not a true polysaccharide
There is a nitrate atom in the acetylamine group
93
What are lipids
Lipids contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, but much less oxygen in proportion to the carbon and hydrogen.
94
Are lipids polar or non-polar
Non-polar
95
Are lipids soluble in water
No
96
Why aren't lipids soluble in water
They are non-polar and can't form hydrogen bonds with water
97
What are Triglycerides
One glycerol and 3 fatty acids bonded together
98
What does glycerol contain
* 3 OH Groups * 3 Carbons Bonded * Saturated with Hydrogen
99
What does a fatty acid consist of
* A Carboxyll group * Saturated Hydrocarbon Chain
100
How is a Triglyceride formed
* 3 Fatty acids join to a glycerol by condensation * 3 H2O molecules are released * Ester Bonds are formed between the glycerol and Fatty Acids
101
What bond is formed when a Triglyceride is formed
Ester
102
What is an Ester Bond
Where an oxygen atom joins 2 atoms together. One of the two is a carbon atom double bonded to another oxygen
103
What is a saturated fatty acid
A fatty acid with only single bonds between the carbon atoms
104
What do lipids containing only saturated fatty acids generally form at room temperature and why.
Fform fats at room temperature. Fatty acid tails are straight and can pack closely together. Stronger forces of attraction form which means more energy is needed to break the bonds and melt the fat therefore the melting point is higher.
105
What is an unsaturated fatty acid
A fatty acid with one or more double bonds between carbon atoms
106
What is a Monounsaturated Fat
1 double Carbon bond in the Fatty Acid
107
What is a Polyunsaturated Fat
2 or more double Carbon bonds in the Fatty Acids
108
What do lipids containing unsaturated fatty acids generally form at room temperature and why.
Usually oils at room temperature. The double bonds make the fatty acid tails kink so they can't pack as closely together. The forces of attraction between the fatty acids are weaker, so less energy is needed to break the bonds and melt the fat so they have a lower melting point.
109
What is a phospholipid
A lipid containing: * A Glycerol * A Phosphate ion - Hydrophyllic Head * 2 Fatty Acid chains - Hydrophobic Tail
110
What are Waxes
Lipids that melt above 45°C
111
What are the functions of Triglycerides
* Thermal Insulation- Prevent heat loss or gain (when hot) * Protection - Fat is often stored around delicate organs * Produces Metabolic Water - Released from chemical reactions * Energy Reserve - 1g of Lipids release 2x the amount of energy as 1g of Carbohydrates because there are more C -- H Bonds
112
What is the function of waxes
Waterproofing - e.g waxy cuticle on leaves
113
What is the function of Phospholipids
* Structure - Forms a phospholipid bilayer in biological membranes * Electrical Insulation - e.g the myelin sheath that surrounds the axons of nerve cells
114
How do you test for Lipids
Mix a sample with ethanol and then shake with water. Form a white cloudy solution
115
What are the main causes of heart disease
* Hypertension * Atheroma - Atherosclerosis
116
What factors contribute to heart diseases
* Diet high in unsaturated fats * Smoking or Vaping * Lack of Exercise * Age
117
What happens if a diet is high in Saturated Fat
* Low Density Lipoprotein builds up and cause an atheroma to form * Bloodflow is restricted to the heart * Less oxygen and Glucose is delivered to cardiac muscle * Results in angina or if completely blocked a Myocardial Infarction
118
What happens if a diet is high in Unsaturated Fat
* More High Density Lipoprotein is produced * These carry harmful fat to the liver for breakdown * The higher the ratio of HDL:LDL the lower the risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease
119
Is HDL good for the body
Yes
120
Is LDL good for the body
No
121
What are proteins
Polymers made up of about 20 amino acids
122
What atoms do proteins contain
* N * C * H * O
123
What is the structure of an amino acid
A central Carbon atom bonded to: * An amino group - NH2 * A Carboxyl Group called the C terminal * A Hydrogen Atom * The R Group
124
How to Amino Acids Polymerise
Through a Condensation reaction
125
What is the bond between two amino acids called
Peptide Bond
126
What is a peptide bond
The Chemical bond formed by a condensation reaction between the amino acid and the carboxyl group of another
127
Do two amino acids bonded together have the same chemical proprties if they are arranged differently
No
128
What is the Primary Structure
The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain Based on: * which amino acids are present * the number of each type of amino acid present * the sequence of amino acids in the polypeptide chain
129
What is the Secondary Structure
The shape the polypeptide forms as a result of hydrogen bonding between the --CO groups and --NH groups in the peptide bonds. This causes the polypeptide chain to be twisted into a 3d shape. The two most common types are: * alpha helix * beta pleated sheet
130
What is the tertiary structure
The protein folds even more to give a more complex 35 globular shape. This tertiary structure is maintained by: * Ionic bonds - formed from charged variable groups * Covalent bonds - formed between 2 variable groups containing sulfur atoms to form a disulfide bridge. Strong and more difficult to break * Additional hydrogen bonds - form between polar variable groups * Hydrophobic interactions - take place when the variable groups are non-polar, and found on the inside of the protein Many globular proteins have a metabolic function in organisms: * Enzymes – active sites to bind to a substrate * Antibodies – sites for binding to antigens * Hormones – sites for binding to specific receptors
131
What bonds maintain a 3d globular shape
* Hydrogen Bonds * Ionic Bonds * Disulphide bonds * Hydrophobic Interactions
132
What functions to 3d globular proteins have
Metabolic functions such as: * Enzymes – active sites to bind to a substrate * Antibodies – sites for binding to antigens * Hormones – sites for binding to specific receptors
133
What is Quaternary Structure
The arrangement of several polypeptide chains to form a fully functioning protein. They may also be associated with non-protein groups and form large, complex molecules, such as haemoglobin.
134
What are Fibrous Proteins
Long thin molecules with structural functions. Polypeptides in parallel chains or in sheets with many cross-linkages forming long fibres. Fibrous Proteins are strong and tough.
135
Give an example of a fibrous protein
Collagen
136
What is Collagen
A fibrous protein, providing the strength and toughness needeed in tendons.
137
What is the structure of collagen
Fibrous protein. A single fibre consists of three identical polypeptide chains twisted around eachother like a rope. The three chains are linked by hydrogen bonds, making them very stable.
138
What is a Globular protein
Compact proteins folded into spherical molecules. Soluble in water.
139
What are functions of globular proteins
Many different functions including: * Enzymes * Antibodies * Plasma Proteins * Hormones
140
What is Haemoglobin
Globular Protein onsisting of four folded polypeptide chains, and at the centre of which is the iron-containing group - Haem.
141
How do you test for protein
Add a few drops of biuret reagent. If a protein is present, the colour changes from Blue → Purple

Biology (10 decks)

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