Life at a Cellular Level 2 Flashcards
(41 cards)
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
What usually occurs in biological redox reactions?
2 e’s (and 2 protons) are gained or lost
What is an example of making/breaking C-C bonds.
Cleavage of glucose in the glycolysis pathway
What is an example of internal rearrangements?
In glycolysis, before the sugar splits
What is an example of a group transfer?
In glycolysis phosphate group is transferred
What is an example of condensation/hydrolysis?
The sub-units of proteins, polysaccharides and nucleic acids are all joined by condensation and broken by hydrolysis reactions
What are proteins?
Polymers of amino acid monomers linked by peptide bonds
What are nucleic acids?
-Polymers of nucleotide monomers linked by 3’,5’-phosphodiester bonds
What are the 2 types of nucleic acid?
- Pyrimidines (flat single rings)-C,T,U
- Purines (flat, double rings)-A, G
