OD 515 Key Questions Exam 1 with complete
solutions.
How does carbon's bonding capacity and geometry enable the formation of diverse
functional groups?
Carbon can form four single, covalent bonds with other carbon atoms, hydrogen, oxygen, and
nitrogen and others; it can also form double and triple bonds which further increases the variety
of molecular sizes, shapes, and compositions
How do functional groups influence the chemical behavior of biomolecules?
polarity, charge, bonding, and unique chemical properties
How can functional groups be identified based on structure?
atoms, bond patterns
How does the plasma membrane selectively control the movement of small metabolites?
the membrane is impermeable to some metabolites, and some can be moved in and out by
specific membrane transporters
Why are central (primary) metabolites compartmentalized and regulated within cells?
primary metabolites support basic life processes, so they do not leave the cell or their
compartments where they perform necessary functions
What role do specific membrane transporters play in metabolite movement?
secondary metabolites are more specialized molecules that serve unique roles, so membrane
transporters allow these secondary metabolites to enter when needed
, How does stereochemistry determine the 3D shape and recognition of biomolecules?
distinct 3D recognition at sites; molecules can be specific to one or many molecules that will fit
complementary to one another
What does 3D complimentarity mean in biomolecular interactions?
This is when two molecules with specific stereochemistry interact due to the physical and
chemical compatibility of the molecules
Why does the 3D structure of enzymes enable stereospecific interactions?
enzymes are folded to specifically fit into the 3D active sites
What structural feature(s) defines eukaryotic cells?
nucleus, membrane bound organelles
Why is compartmentalization essential to eukaryotic cell function?
organelles in the cell have specific processes, so compartmentalization allows for separation of
processes
What is a defining functional characteristic of the endomembrane system?
it segregates metabolic processes and provides surfaces for enzyme-catalyzed reactions;
endocytosis and exocytosis
How does the auto-ionization of water define the meaning and scale of pH?
It is the foundation of the pH scale because it ionizes into the perfect ratio of H+ and OH-; free
protons do not exist in this system
solutions.
How does carbon's bonding capacity and geometry enable the formation of diverse
functional groups?
Carbon can form four single, covalent bonds with other carbon atoms, hydrogen, oxygen, and
nitrogen and others; it can also form double and triple bonds which further increases the variety
of molecular sizes, shapes, and compositions
How do functional groups influence the chemical behavior of biomolecules?
polarity, charge, bonding, and unique chemical properties
How can functional groups be identified based on structure?
atoms, bond patterns
How does the plasma membrane selectively control the movement of small metabolites?
the membrane is impermeable to some metabolites, and some can be moved in and out by
specific membrane transporters
Why are central (primary) metabolites compartmentalized and regulated within cells?
primary metabolites support basic life processes, so they do not leave the cell or their
compartments where they perform necessary functions
What role do specific membrane transporters play in metabolite movement?
secondary metabolites are more specialized molecules that serve unique roles, so membrane
transporters allow these secondary metabolites to enter when needed
, How does stereochemistry determine the 3D shape and recognition of biomolecules?
distinct 3D recognition at sites; molecules can be specific to one or many molecules that will fit
complementary to one another
What does 3D complimentarity mean in biomolecular interactions?
This is when two molecules with specific stereochemistry interact due to the physical and
chemical compatibility of the molecules
Why does the 3D structure of enzymes enable stereospecific interactions?
enzymes are folded to specifically fit into the 3D active sites
What structural feature(s) defines eukaryotic cells?
nucleus, membrane bound organelles
Why is compartmentalization essential to eukaryotic cell function?
organelles in the cell have specific processes, so compartmentalization allows for separation of
processes
What is a defining functional characteristic of the endomembrane system?
it segregates metabolic processes and provides surfaces for enzyme-catalyzed reactions;
endocytosis and exocytosis
How does the auto-ionization of water define the meaning and scale of pH?
It is the foundation of the pH scale because it ionizes into the perfect ratio of H+ and OH-; free
protons do not exist in this system
