biochem1.1.pdf

Yuribel G. Morante Evaluation Let’s see how much you learn from this lesson! 1. There are several methods in studying the structure and function of cells. Name at least two methods and give an example for each.  Electron Micr...

Yuribel G. Morante Evaluation Let’s see how much you learn from this lesson! 1. There are several methods in studying the structure and function of cells. Name at least two methods and give an example for each.  Electron Microscopy Example: Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) Think of this method like using a super-powerful camera that can take really detailed pictures of tiny things inside a cell. With TEM, scientists can look at parts of the cell, like the energy factories (mitochondria) and other important structures, in such fine detail that they can see what they look like and how they are arranged. It's like zooming in so much that you can see the tiny building blocks of life!  Fluorescence Microscopy Example: Super-resolution Fluorescence Microscopy This method is like using special colored lights to highlight certain parts of a cell. Scientists use special dyes that glow when light shines on them, allowing them to see specific proteins or structures inside the cell. This helps them watch how these parts move and interact with each other in real-time, almost like watching a live performance of tiny actors on a stage. It gives them a better understanding of how cells work and communicate. 2. In the structure below, determine the amount of functional groups and name each. a. cholesterol Hydroxyl group (-OH): Cholesterol has a single hydroxyl group attached to the third carbon atom of the steroid nucleus. This polar group allows cholesterol to interact with other polar substances. Alkene (carbon-carbon double bond): There is a carbon-carbon double bond between the fifth and sixth carbon atoms of the steroid nucleus. Hydrocarbon tail: The hydrocarbon tail is attached to the seventeenth carbon atom of the steroid nucleus. It consists of a nonpolar chain of carbon and hydrogen atoms. In summary, cholesterol contains one hydroxyl group, one alkene, and a hydrocarbon tail as its main functional groups. Zhang, Q., Li, S., Yang, Y., Shan, Y., & Wang, H. (2021). Studying structure and functions of cell membranes by single molecule biophysical techniques. Biophysics reports, 7(5), 384–398. https://doi.org/10.52601/bpr.2021.210018 Cooper GM. The Cell: A Molecular Approach. 2nd edition. Sunderland (MA): Sinauer Associates; 2000. Tools of Cell Biology. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9941/ Cholesterol: Structure, Biochemistry & Metabolism. (n.d.). StudySmarter UK. https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/chemistry/organic-chemistry/cholesterol/  3. In the structure below, determine the amount of functional groups and name each. a. chlorophyll Porphyrin Ring System: Think of this as a big, circular structure made up of smaller pieces. This ring is what gives chlorophyll its green color and helps it capture sunlight. It’s like the main part of a solar panel that collects energy from the sun. Magnesium Ion Coordination: In the center of that big ring, there’s a magnesium ion (Mg²⁺). You can think of it like a tiny battery that helps power the process of photosynthesis. It holds everything together and helps chlorophyll do its job of turning sunlight into energy. Methoxy Group (-OCH₃): This is a small group attached to the ring in chlorophyll a. It’s like a little tag that helps define what kind of chlorophyll it is. This group helps chlorophyll a absorb light effectively. Formyl Group (-CHO): This group is found in chlorophyll b and is similar to the methoxy group, but it has a different structure. It helps chlorophyll b absorb light in a slightly different way than chlorophyll a, allowing plants to capture more sunlight. Ester Groups (-COOCH₃): There are two of these groups in chlorophyll. You can think of them as connectors that help hold parts of the chlorophyll molecule together. They also help chlorophyll mix well with other substances in plants. Hydroxyl Group (-OH): This group is like a little water-loving part of chlorophyll. It helps chlorophyll dissolve in the watery parts of plant cells, making it easier for it to work with other molecules. Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2024, May 20). chlorophyll. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/chlorophyll Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2024, May 20). chlorophyll. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/chlorophyll