Topic 1 - Biological Molecules (B) Flashcards
(89 cards)
What are monomers
Smaller units that larger molecules (polymers) are made from
What are the three examples of monomers
Amino acids, monosaccharides and nucleotides
What are polymers?
Molecules formed from a large number of monomers joined together
What are the three examples of polymers
DNA, Starch, proteins
What is a condensation reaction
A reaction which joins two molecules together with the formation of a chemical bonds and a molecule of water.
What is a hydrolysis reaction
The breaking down of polymers. A water molecule is added and the chemical bond is broken, resulting in two monomers.
What are monosaccharides
monomers which larger carbohydrates are made from
What are common monosaccharides
Glucose, fructose and galactose
Outline glucose’s structure
Has 6 carbon atoms in each molecule, 6 oxygen atoms and 12 hydrogen.
What are the glucose isomers and how are they different (You must be able to draw these)
Alpha and beta.
Alpha - H OH
Beta - OH H
What happens when two monosaccharides undergo a condensation reaction
-A disaccharide is formed
-Joined together by glycosidic bonds
Outline maltose as a disaccharide
Formed with the condensation of two alpha glucose molecules
Outline sucrose as a disaccharide
Formed by the condensation of a glucose molecule and a fructose molecule
Outline lactose as a disaccharide
Formed by the condensation of a galactose and glucose molecule
What are polysaccharides
Formed by the condensation of many glucose units
What is the monomer and polysaccharides of starch
-The monomer is alpha glucose
-The polysaccharides are called amylose and amylopectin
What is the structure of a starch polysaccharide
-Large and insoluble
-Branched
-Coiled
What is the function of starch polysaccharide
To store glucose in plants for respiration to take place
How does the structure of starch help with its function? (3)
-It’s a large molecule so it’s insoluble so doesn’t effect the water potential of the cell
-Branched so has more “ends” so glucose easily released for respiration
-Coiled so compact so more can be stored
What is the monomer of glycogen
alpha glucose
Outline the structure of glycogen polysaccharides
-Large and insoluble
-More branched than starch
-Coiled to a degree
What is the function of glycogen
In liver and muscle cells to store glucose for respiration
How does glycogens structure help it with its function (3)
-Highly branched so more “ends” so glucose can be released quickly for respiration
-Large so insoluble so doesn’t affect water potential
-Coiled so compact so more can be stored
Outline the method for testing for reducing sugars and what precautions/hazards
-Add some benedict’s solution to the sample you’re testing
-Heat the sample to above 90°C
-The hazard is copper sulphate and to mitigate this wear safety goggles and wash hands after you’re done