Introduction to Cell & Molecular Biology (BIOL121) - Dr. S.G. Saupe (ssaupe@csbsju.edu); Biology Department, College of St. Benedict/St. John's University, Collegeville, MN 56321 |
Biological Chemistry
Study
Guide
Life is nothing more, nothing less, than the
structural organization of certain molecules.
B. Rensberger |
Required Readings:
Freeman Chapter 2
Goal
of The Unit: The goal of this unit is to study the basic polymers of living systems
Important Terms/Concepts: (Can you use them conversationally?)
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Objectives/Questions:
Identify the type of bond that holds
together atoms in a functional group
Explain why carboxyl groups are acidic
For each of the four major
macromolecules in living systems: (a)
name the monomeric units (building blocks) from which they are made; (b)
draw the general chemical structure of the monomeric units; (c)
identify the major functional groups that characterize the monomeric
units; (d) identify the major functions.
Explain the statement: �Life is
polymeric�. Are all
macromolecules polymers?
Be able to recognize the chemical
structures for the major macromolecules (and their building blocks).
Define condensation reaction.
Explain why condensation reactions can also be called dehydration
synthesis reactions.
Define hydrolysis reaction.
Explain the importance of condensation
and hydrolysis reactions in living organisms.
Explain the following symbol used in writing chemical structures: R
Compare and contrast starch, glycogen,
cellulose, chitin and sucrose.
Distinguish between the primary,
secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure of proteins. Describe
how these structures are determined and maintained.
Compare and contrast triglyceride,
phospholipid, wax and steroid.
Distinguish between a globular and fibrous protein.
Compare
and contrast hydrophobic and hydrophilic
Answer questions at the end of the chapter
Functional Group Study: Complete
the following table
Functional Group | Structure (draw) | Name of compound if it only contains this functional group |
hydroxyl | ||
carbonyl | ||
carboxyl | ||
phosphate | ||
amino | ||
methyl | not applicable | |
ethyl | not applicable |
Polymer Question: Complete the table
Polymer | Example(s) | Monomeric Unit | Example of monomers |
Polysaccharides (complex sugar, complex carbohydrates) | |||
Proteins | |||
Nucleic acids | |||
Lipids | not applicable | not applicable |
Concept Map:
Prepare a concept map using as many of the following terms as possible:
hydrocarbon, disaccharide, glycogen, starch, cellulose, polysaccharide,
lipid, hydrophilic, nucleic acid, nucleotide, DNA, RNA, protein, polymer, amino
acid, organic, carbohydrate, polypeptide, monosaccharide, condensation reaction,
peptide bond, dehydration synthesis, hydrolysis, phospholipid, wax, steroid,
fibrous protein, globular protein.
Test Yourself:
Answer the questions at the end of the chapter, in the study guide, or
textbook web site.
Reading: Go to the library and read some articles about biological chemistry. Then, discuss them with your friends. Good sources of articles are in Science News, Discover, Scientific American, and New Scientist. Also, the New York Times has a good science section once a week.
Last updated: July 14, 2009 � Copyright by SG Saupe