Study of Life, Chemical Foundation, Biomolecules

Question 1

Identify the properties of life

( LO)

Answer 1

Organisation ( make up of organism ie multicellular/unicellular)
Metabolism
Homeostasis ( self regulating process by which biological systems maintain stability while adjusting to changing external factors)
Growth
Reproduction
Response
Evolution

Question 2

How are the function and structure of a molecule interlinked?

Answer 2

Structure and function are interdependent ( function is dependent on structure)

Question 3

What are the properties of water?

Answer 3

Polar molecule ( difference in electro negativity of atoms)
Excellent solvent
High heat capacity ( capability of a substance to absorb energy in the form of heat)
High heat of vaporisation ( heat of vaporisation : energy required to convert one gram of liquid into a gas at boiling point)
Has cohesive and adhesive properties
Is less dense solid as then liquid

Question 4

Why is water an excellent solvent?
( LO)

Answer 4

Due to its polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds.

The polarity of the water molecule allows it to dissolve both ionic bonds and other polar molecules. This occurs as the partially negative dipoles of the water are attracted to the positively charged components of the solute.

Question 5

What are the role of acids, bases and buffers in homeostasis?
(LO)

Answer 5

These chemical compounds maintain the pH of the body. The change of the pH in the body leads to the denaturing of enzymes.

Question 6

What are the functions and building blocks of Carbohydrates?

(LO)

Answer 6

Building blocks : Monosaccharide
Function: provides cells with quick and short term energy

Question 7

What are the functions and building blocks of lipids?
(LO)

Answer 7

Building blocks: fatty acids and glycerol
Function: provides cell with long term energy + make up of membranes

Question 8

What are the functions and building blocks of Proteins ?

(LO)

Answer 8

Building block : amino acids
Functions: provides cell structure + speeds up chemical reactions+ sends chemical signals

Question 9

What are the functions and building blocks of nuclei acids?

( LO)

Answer 9

Building blocks: Nucleotides
Functions: stores genetic information that codes for traits ( RNA and DNA)