FAQ Unit 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Describe why hydrogen bonds form between water molecules.

Water molecules are polar; oxygen atoms are more electronegative than hydrogen atoms, causing oxygen to attract hydrogen atoms of other molecules, creating a weak hydrogen bond.

Discuss the structural components of carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, with the molecular format CH2On. Polymers are chains of monosaccharides joined by glycosidic linkage.

Identify two examples of carbohydrates and describe their function.

Glucose is a major energy source for living things; starch serves as a plant storage form of energy.

Explain the process that joins two polymers together from monomer units.

Condensation reaction or dehydration synthesis occurs, where a water molecule is removed, forming a covalent bond between monomers. Signup and view all the answers

Identify 3 macromolecules that are components of the plasma membrane in a eukaryotic cell and discuss the structure and function of each.

Phospholipids (amphipathic molecules forming a bilayer), cholesterol (provides fluidity and stability), and integral proteins (transport information and materials). Signup and view all the answers

Describe smaller units and how they assemble into larger units, mentioning one major function of these larger organized structures.

Amino acids assemble into proteins through peptide bonds in polypeptides; enzymes lower activation energy for reactions. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how estrogen molecules are able to go through the plasma membrane.

Estrogen molecules can pass through the plasma membrane due to its semi-permeable nature, navigating through the hydrophobic tails. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the properties of water that result from its polarity and hydrogen bonding affect its biological function.

Water's polarity leads to cohesion and adhesion, making it a good solvent and imparting surface tension due to hydrogen bonding. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the composition of macromolecules required by living organisms.

Macromolecules are composed of various elements, including carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus, structured into proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the properties of the monomers and the type of bonds that connect them in biological macromolecules.

Monomers are individual subunits connected through dehydration synthesis, forming polymers with covalent bonds. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the inner layer in mitochondria and individual chloroplasts so important?

The inner membrane is rich in proteins involved in electron transport and ATP synthesis, enhancing ATP production. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hydrogen Bonds in Water

Water molecules consist of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, forming a covalent bond.
Water is polar; oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, contributing to the formation of hydrogen bonds between molecules.

Structural Components of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen with the general formula CH2On.
Polymers are formed by chains of monosaccharides linked through glycosidic bonds.
Hydroxyl groups attach to each carbon; one carbon typically has a carboxyl group.
Common carbohydrates include glucose (major energy source), fructose, and galactose.
Starch serves as the storage form of energy in plants; cellulose provides structural support in plant cell walls.
Glycogen functions as short-term energy storage in animals; chitin is used for structural purposes.
Monomers are joined through dehydration synthesis, which removes water molecules to form covalent bonds.

Macromolecules in Eukaryotic Plasma Membranes

Phospholipids have hydrophilic "heads" and hydrophobic "tails," forming a bilayer that is selectively permeable.
Cholesterol is embedded in the membrane, enhancing fluidity and stability.
Integral proteins span the membrane, participating in transport and signal transduction.

Enzymes as Proteins

Enzymes are proteins made up of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, forming polypeptides.
The sequence of amino acids determines the primary structure, which folds into a tertiary structure to create the enzyme's active site.
Enzymes function to lower activation energy for chemical reactions.

Estrogen and Membrane Permeability

Estrogen can pass through the plasma membrane due to its semi-permeable nature and the presence of spaces between the hydrophilic heads of phospholipids.

Properties of Water

Water’s polarity allows for hydrogen bonding, leading to cohesiveness (water molecules sticking to each other), adhesion (sticking to other substances), and high surface tension.
Its solvent properties make water crucial for biological functions.

Composition of Biological Macromolecules

Macromolecules are essential for life and include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, each composed of specific monomers.

Monomers and Bond Formation

Monomers, or single subunits, combine through dehydration synthesis, forming polymers by excluding water during bonding.

Importance of Mitochondrial and Chloroplast Membranes

The inner membranes of mitochondria and chloroplasts are rich in proteins for electron transport and ATP synthesis.
A larger surface area facilitates increased ATP production through enhanced enzymatic reactions.

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Description

Test your understanding of hydrogen bonds and water molecules with these flashcards from Unit 1. Explore how polarity in water leads to these essential interactions and improve your grasp on fundamental concepts in chemistry.