Molecules, Metabolism and Water Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is molecular biology?
explains the living processes in terms of the molecules involved
How many covalent bonds can carbon atoms form?
4
What is anabolism?
- the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler molecules including the formation of macromolecules from monomers by condensation reactions.
- building (monomers to polymers using condensation)
What is catabolism?
the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler molecules including the hydrolysis of macromolecules into monomers
- breakdown (using hydrolysis)
What compound can be produced by living things but can also be artificially synthesized?
Urea
What are organic molecules? (name all 5)
lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, vitamins
What are the 2 inorganic molecules?
water and minerals
Historically, explain the organic and inorganic molecules
Chemistry was broken into organic for living organisms and inorganic for non-living matter
What is an organic molecule?
a compound containing carbon and hydrogen that are found in living organisms
What are the exceptions of the organic molecule?
- hydrocarbonates
- carbonates
- oxides of carbon
What is metabolism composed of?
anabolism and catabolism
What is Condensation/Dehydration?
- removal of water
- OH removed from one molecule
- H removed from another
- OH+H= H2O
What is Hydrolysis?
- hydro=water lysis=break
- how macromolecules break down
- get help from enzymes
What percentage of Earth’s water is liquid? Why?
97%, high boiling point
What percentage of Earth’s water is fresh water?
3%
What does the water in the atmosphere result from?
evaporation
86% of evaporations occur from…
oceans
What is water vapour?
a greenhouse gas
What do ocean and air currents transfer?
heat
What is cohesion?
- the attraction of water molecules to each other (H bonding)
- creates a “transpiration pull” to bring water from deep roots as it evaporates from leaves
- responsible for surface tension (so insects can walk on)
What is adhesion?
- the attraction of water molecules to cling to other polar surfaces
- responsible, along with cohesion, for movement of water up a large plant
Why is water the “Universal solvent”?
- water is polar because of its bent shape
- other polar substances and charged ions are also attracted to water
Molecules with … solubility have … transport
low, specialized
What allows the water to have a high boiling point?
H bonds