Molecular Biology

Question 1

Define metabolism

Answer 1

The web of all enzyme catalyzed reactions in a cell

Question 2

Define the two types of metabolism

Answer 2

1) Anabolism
synthesis of complex molecules from simpler molecules
(adding small things to form/create a big thing)

2) Catabolism
the breakdown of complex complex molecules into simplier molecules (breaking down big things into small things)

Question 3

Give an example of a reaction that illustrates anabolism

Answer 3

Condensation reaction —- joining of 2 molecules to from a large molecule
(water is a by product of condensation reactions)

Question 4

Give an example of a reaction that illustrates Catabolism

Answer 4

Hydrolysis reactions — break down of large molecules into smaller molecules through the addition of water

(e.g polypeptides + H20 ——> Amino acids)

Question 5

Distinguish between covalent bonds, hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds
(Also list strongest to least strongest)

Answer 5

Covalent bonds — bonds that involve sharing of electrons

Hydrogen bonds—- are intermolecular bonds

Ionic bonds — formed by the attraction between ions of opposite charges

Order of strength

1. Ionic bonds
2. Convalent bonds
3. Hydrogen bonds

Question 6

What is a polymer

Answer 6

a large chain of monomers

Question 7

Describe the theory of Vital force

Answer 7

Idea that all living organism were composed of organic chemicals that could only be produced in living organisms because of a vital force

Question 8

How was the theory of vital force falsified?

Answer 8

Falsified by the synthesis of urea. In 1828, Friedrich Wohler formed urea artificially by using silver isocyanate and ammonium chloride. This was the first time that an organic compound had been synthesized artiifcially.

Question 9

State the 11 important elements in biology

Answer 9

1) Carbon
2) Hydrogen
3) Oxygen
4) Nitrogen
5) Phosphonis
6) Potassium
7) Iodine
8) Sulfur
9) Calcium
10) Iron
11) Sodium chloride
Chemical compound (NACI)