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Why is carbon especially well suited to serve as the structural foundation of many biological molecules?
A. CHARACTERISTICS OF CARBON ATOMS: __Ready availability, abundance __Atom small in size, outer (valence) electrons close to nucleus, so forms stable (strong) bonds __4 electrons in a valence-capacity of 8, forms 4 bonds to 4 other atoms __Forms covalent bonds __Can bond to other carbon atoms, no upper limit to size of carbon compounds __Bond angles form tetrahedron, resulting in 3-D structures, chains, rings, not just planar __Can form multiple C-C, C=C, C=C bonds __Can form isomers, different structures - same number and kind of atoms __Functional groups/combine with a variety of other elements __BONUS POINT: if get 3 above - Uniqueness, only Carbon has all of these characteristics
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Biological molecules are primarily joined by what bond?
Biological molecules are primarily joined by covalent bonds. These bonds involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms and are strong and stable, allowing biological molecules to maintain their structure and function.
What are the unique properties and functions of cyclic ketose molecules in biological systems?
Cyclic ketose molecules in biological systems have unique properties and functions. They are sugars with a ketone group and form ring structures. These molecules play important roles in energy storage, cell signaling, and structural support in organisms.
What is the difference between chiral and achiral molecules and how does their structural symmetry impact their properties?
Chiral molecules have a non-superimposable mirror image, while achiral molecules do not. The asymmetry in chiral molecules can lead to different interactions with other molecules, affecting their properties such as reactivity and biological activity. Achiral molecules, on the other hand, have a symmetrical structure and exhibit similar properties in all directions.
Which biological molecule is called the backbone of biological molecules and is not used in diagrams?
The carbohydrate molecule is often referred to as the backbone of biological molecules as it is essential for storing and providing energy. However, carbohydrates are often not represented in diagrams of biological molecules for simplification purposes.
Where do hydrogen bonds form within biological molecules?
Hydrogen bonds form within biological molecules between hydrogen atoms and electronegative atoms like oxygen or nitrogen.
What is biochirality?
Biochirality is the chirality - of biological molecules, especially the study of the genesis of such chirality - the phenomenon by which two biological molecules are symmetrical.
Biological molecules are primarily joined by what bond?
Biological molecules are primarily joined by covalent bonds. These bonds involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms and are strong and stable, allowing biological molecules to maintain their structure and function.
The basic structural units of chemistry and life are?
The basic structural units of chemistry are atoms, which combine to form molecules. In the context of life, the basic structural units are cells, which are the smallest functional and structural units in living organisms. Cells contain molecules that carry out various biological functions essential for life.
The group of biological molecules most diverse in function is?
Proteins are the most diverse group of biological molecules in terms of function. They carry out various functions within the body, including catalyzing chemical reactions, transporting molecules, providing structural support, and regulating gene expression.
What are the unique properties and functions of cyclic ketose molecules in biological systems?
Cyclic ketose molecules in biological systems have unique properties and functions. They are sugars with a ketone group and form ring structures. These molecules play important roles in energy storage, cell signaling, and structural support in organisms.
What is the function of a phospholipid in biological membranes?
Phospholipids in biological membranes serve as the main structural component, forming a lipid bilayer that regulates the passage of molecules in and out of the cell. They also play a role in cell signaling and maintaining cell integrity.
What is the function of a protein in biological systems?
Proteins play a crucial role in biological systems by serving as building blocks for cells, regulating chemical reactions, transporting molecules, and providing structural support. They are essential for the growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues in the body.
What functions do membrane proteins serve in biological systems?
Membrane proteins serve various functions in biological systems, including transporting molecules across the cell membrane, acting as receptors for signaling molecules, and providing structural support to the cell membrane. They also play a role in cell adhesion, cell communication, and cell recognition.
What are the structural characteristics and functional roles of beta barrel proteins in biological systems?
Beta barrel proteins are a type of protein with a cylindrical shape formed by multiple beta strands. These proteins are important in biological systems as they serve as channels for transporting molecules across cell membranes or as enzymes for catalyzing chemical reactions. Their structural characteristics allow them to create a pore-like structure that can interact with specific molecules, making them essential for various cellular processes.
What is the difference between chiral and achiral molecules and how does their structural symmetry impact their properties?
Chiral molecules have a non-superimposable mirror image, while achiral molecules do not. The asymmetry in chiral molecules can lead to different interactions with other molecules, affecting their properties such as reactivity and biological activity. Achiral molecules, on the other hand, have a symmetrical structure and exhibit similar properties in all directions.
Which biological molecule is called the backbone of biological molecules and is not used in diagrams?
The carbohydrate molecule is often referred to as the backbone of biological molecules as it is essential for storing and providing energy. However, carbohydrates are often not represented in diagrams of biological molecules for simplification purposes.
What do biological molecules contain?
Carbon
