Chemistry of Life

1. Chemistry of Life Chapters 2 and 3

2. 2.1 Atomic structure is the basis for Life’s Chemistry • It is assumed that this is all prior knowledge since you had chemistry. • Atomic structure, basic terminology, octet rule and role of valence electrons in bonding. • 6 key elements in biochemicals

3. 2.2 Atoms Interact and Form Molecules • Still considered previous knowledge!! • Be able to compare and contrast ionic, covalent (polar and nonpolar), hydrogen, and hydrophobic interactions. • Know key examples AS RELEVANT TO LIFE • Know how the bond is formed and relative strength • Predict resulting charge/dipoles • What is likely to happen to ionic compounds in a biological system? (water based!)

4. 2.2 Atoms Interact and Form Molecules • How many covalent bonds does carbon like to form? Why? With what other atoms? • How does the electronegativity of an atom affect its bonding tendencies? • Which highly electronegative atoms do we need to worry about in Biology?

5. 2.2.3 Hydrogen bonds may form within or between molecules with polar covalent bonds • Relate the polarity of the water molecule to each of the following properties of water: • High heat capacity and heat of vaporization • Cohesion • Adhesion • Ability to dissolve certain substances (which?) • Now go back and discuss the significance of each of these properties with regard to living things • Apply the phrase “like dissolves like”

6. 2.2.5 Functional groups confer specific properties to biological molecules • Functional Groups – what are they? What behaviors do they “attach” to a molecule? • Be able to predict how chemicals will react based on their collection of functional groups. • Yes, you must memorize the list and their properties.

7. 2.2.5 Functional groups confer specific properties to biological molecules • Monomers vs. Polymers • How are they built/broken down? Know the reactions • Other name for condensation? • Be able to name monomers/polymers for carbs, proteins and nucleic acids

8. 2.3 Carbohydrates consist of Sugar molecules • What structural similarities do carbohydrates have? • What are the roles of carbohydrates in living things? • Differentiate between simple and complex sugars in terms of energy usage.

9. 2.3.1 Monosaccharides are simple sugars • Know the significance of the following monosaccharides: glucose, ribose and deoxyribose • How can different sugars have the same formula? What are these called? Example? What significance does this have biologically?

10. 2.3.2 Glycosidic linkages bond monosaccharides • How are monosaccharides linked to form di-, oligo-, polysaccharides?

11. 2.3.3 Polysaccharides store energy and provide structural materials • Compare and contrast the structure and function of starch, collagen and glycogen

12. 2.4 Lipids are hydrophibic molecules • How does the structure of lipids compare to that of carbs? • Identify the functions of lipids in living things

13. 2.4.1 Fats and oils are Triglycerides • How are triglycerides made? • Differentiate between the structure of fats and oils • What aspect of the structure makes it such a successful energy storage molecule?

14. 2.4.2 Phospholipids form biological membranes • Describe the structure of a phospholipid • How does it differ from a triglyceride? • How does this difference enable phospholipids to serve as the barrier of the cell?

15. 2.5.1 There are two basic types of energy • Differentiate between potential and kinetic energy as it applies to metabolism

16. 2.5.2 There are two basic types of metabolism • Provide biologically relevant examples of anabolic and catabolic reactions • Diagram the energy changes that happen during anabolic and catabolic reactions and be able to explain in terms of ΔG

17. 2.5.3 Biochemical changes obey physical laws • Relate the laws of thermodynamics (1 and 2) to biological systems