Biochemicals & Bonds

Wednesday, 21 August 2013

 Name the monomers and polymers of carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acids

The Molecules of Life

All living things are made up of four classes of large biological molecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids Macromolecules are large molecules composed of thousands of covalently connected atoms

Molecular structure and function are closely linked

Basic chemistry: atoms, bonds and molecules

An atom comprises a nucleus (with protons and neutrons) plus orbiting electrons

(Helium; 2 protons, 2 neutrons, 2 electrons; mass = 4)

But some elements have atoms with variable numbers of neutrons

Elements differ from one another, by the addition of a proton, an electron, and (usually) a neutron

Protons and neutrons are added to the nucleus, electrons are added to electron orbits or shells

The Periodic Table; atoms of the elements differ by progressive addition of a proton and an electron, and often a neutron

Types of bonding: a) ionic bondswhen one atom donates (or receives) one or more electrons resulting in a complete electron shell and an ion

The +ve and -ve charged ions formed attract each other; Result- the substance is usually crystalline, soluble in water, conducts electricity and has a high melting point

b) covalent bonds; atoms share one or more pairs of electrons

Electrons can be thought of as particles, or clouds of charge

methane, a simple, covalent molecule

Single, double, and triple covalent bonds

Comparing covalent and ionic bonds

Covalent bonds involve a sharing of electrons, but this sharing may be equal, or uneven; if it is unequal, the result is a molecule with weak + and - charges
an equal sharing of electrons; Result - no overall charge.

the shared electrons are attracted more closely by the oxygen; Result - weak polar charges Attractions between these weak

 Describe the general features of condensation and hydrolysis reactions.

Macromolecules are polymers, built from monomers

A polymer is a long molecule consisting of many similar small building blocks called monomers Three of the four classes of lifes organic molecules are polymers:
Carbohydrates Proteins Nucleic acids

The Synthesis and Breakdown of Polymers

A condensation reaction occurs when two monomers bond together through the loss of a water molecule Polymers are disassembled to monomers by hydrolysis, with addition of water

Fig. 5-2a

HO

2
Short polymer

HO

Unlinked monomer

Condensation reaction removes a water molecule, forming a new bond

H2O

HO

Longer polymer
(a) Condensation reaction in the synthesis of a polymer

Fig. 5-2b

HO

Hydrolysis adds a water molecule, breaking a bond

H2O

HO (b)

HO

Hydrolysis of a polymer

Hydrolysis and condensation

Functions of biological molecules

Carbon can make up to four possible bonds with other atoms - it has a valency of four

Ionic and Covalent Bonding

http://www.mhhe.com/physsci/chemistry/ani mations/chang_7e_esp/bom1s2_11.swf

Methane showing covalent bonding structure; carbon chains and hydrocarbon

Double bonds in ethene and carboxylic acid

Hydrogen bonds in water