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Molecules

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Chemical & Structural Properties Molecular Formulae & Geometry: Explanations of how atoms are bonded, Lewis structures, VSEPR theory shapes (e.g., tetrahedral, planar), and bond angles. Physical Properties: Information on boiling points, melting points, solubility, polarity, and molecular weight. Stereochemistry: Breakdown of chirality, enantiomers, diastereomers, and R/S configurations

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Uned 1
Bioleg Uwch Gyfrannol
Unit 1 Moleciwlau biolegol

AS Biology
Biological molecules




Enw/ Name:____________________________
1

, 1.1 Moleciwlau biolegol / Biological molecules
Learning outcome Revision notes
completed
To define macronutrient and micronutrient and provide examples of each.
To describe the roles magnesium, iron, phosphate and calcium ions.
To describe and explain the properties of water to include
 Polarity
 Hydrogen bonding
 Surface tension
 Solvent
 High latent heat
 High specific heat capacity
 Metabolite
 Support and buoyancy
To explain how the structure of water relates to its functions in living organisms.

To know the general formula for carbohydrates

To identify and recognise examples of monosaccharides including: triose (glyceraldehyde),
pentose (ribose and deoxyribose) and hexose (α- and β- glucose, fructose and galactose).
To recognise examples of disaccharides including: sucrose, maltose and lactose.
To recognise glycosidic bonds

To explain how monosaccharides are joined together to become disaccharides and
polysaccharides.
To explain how polysaccharides and disaccharides are broken down to give monosaccharides.

To investigate how reducing sugars can be identified.

To investigate how non-reducing sugars can be identified.

To investigate how starch can be identified.

To describe the structure and function of the storage carbohydrates starch and glycogen.

To describe the structure and function of the structural carbohydrates chitin and cellulose.

To relate the structure of starch, glycogen, cellulose and chitin to their functions with reference
to solubility, strength, energy content and osmotic effect.
To recognise examples of triglycerides and phospholipids

To recall the structural formula for glycerol and the general formula for an unsaturated fatty acid.
To distinguish between saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
To show and explain how ester bonds can be formed by condensation reactions
To show and explain how ester bonds can be broken by hydrolysis reactions
To explain how a diet high in saturated fats and LDLs is a risk factor for heart disease.

To explain the symptoms of heart disease to include atheromas in arteries and thrombosis.

To investigate how lipids can be identified.

To know the general formula for amino acids and recognise amino, carboxyl and R groups.


2

, To explain why different amino acids vary.

To show and explain how peptide bonds can be formed by condensation reactions.

To show and explain how peptide bonds can be broken by hydrolysis reactions.

To identify peptide, disulfide, ionic, hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions between R
groups.
To distinguish between primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary protein structure.

To relate the structure of fibrous proteins to their functions e.g. collagen and keratin.

To relate the structure of globular proteins to their functions e.g. enzymes and haemoglobin.

To investigate how proteins can be identified.




List of words for your glossary

Water Carbohydrates Lipids Proteins
Macronutrient Monosaccharide Ester bond Polypeptide
Micronutrient Polysaccharide Monounsaturated fatty acid R/ variable group
Inorganic Glycosidic bond Polyunsaturated fatty acid Zwitterion
Organic Isomer Essential amino acid
Saturated fatty acid
Metabolism Polymerisation Peptide bond
Anabolism Amylose Hydrophilic
Dipeptide
Catabolism Amylopectin Hydrophobic
Primary structure
Monomer Starch Atherosclerosis
Polymer Glycogen Secondary structure
Atheroma Tertiary structure
Polar Cellulose
Myocardial infarction Quaternary structure
Dipole Microfibril
Hydrogen bond Chitin Hypertension Disulphide bond
Specific heat capacity Heteropolysaccharide Thrombosis Simple protein
Latent heat Wax Conjugated protein
Cohesion Fibrous protein
Adhesion Haem group




Biological Molecules - Introduction

3

, Introduction video - 7 mins

All living things are made up of 5 groups of molecules. They are summarised below.

Name of Molecule What elements does it Information
contain?

Water H2O The ‘molecule of life’. Up to 70% of the human
body is this substance

Water is needed for transport, for chemical
reactions and is important in homeostasis.

Carbohydrates C, H and O. Carbohydrates are known as polysaccharides.

General formula is Cn(H2O)n They are made up of individual units called
monosaccharides.

They are used for energy in the human body.

Lipids C, H and O A group that contains fats, oils, waxes and
steroid hormones.

An important group is the triglycerides which
are made of glycerol plus 3 fatty acids

They are used for energy storage, insulation and
protection in the human body

Proteins C, H, O and N The most diverse group of biological molecules.

Proteins are polymers (polypeptides)

Proteins are made of many individual units
called amino acids

Proteins can be fibrous e.g. collagen for
structure and support or globular e.g. enzymes

Nucleic Acids C, H, O, N and P This group includes DNA, RNA and ATP

DNA and RNA are polymers made up of
nucleotides. DNA carries the genetic code. RNA
is involved in protein synthesis.

ATP is the universal energy currency and is used
to drive chemical reactions in cells




Monomers and Polymers

4

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