Chemical basis of life
In this chapter you will learn about The Chemical Basis for Life. I will be talking about nucleic acids which are DNA and RNA which are polymers. You will also learn about how proteins are important polymers. The functions of nucleic acids will be explained. There are a few diagrams that will show bonds. I also will include some information on the the structures of water. You will know about the nonpolar molecules like lipids. You will know the difference between adhesion and cohesion. You will be given key terms to this section. I also have a few questions that may help you test yourself on this section. There is also an answer key for you to see how you did with the questions. This will help you during the keystones because you will have a better understanding and it’s an easy study guide. I hope you are able to retain the information given below, and do well on your test.
Key Terms
Polar Molecules
- Molecules that has a result of opposing charges meaning both positive and negative charges.
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Covalent Bonding
- Is formed when atoms share electrons.
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Cohesion
-When water molecules attract to each other.
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Adhesion
-Water molecules stick to other things.
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DNA
- Deoxyribonucleic acid, is all all organisms and the gentic make up of a person or animal.
Nucleotides
- Forms DNA.
Objectives
SWBAT
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Describe how biological macromolecules form from monomers.
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Compare structures and functions of organisms such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
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Describe what the unique properties of water are, and how they support life on earth.
Esstential Question
-How is carbon uniquely suited to form biological macromolecules?
-How does biological macromolecules form from monomers ?
-What are the differences between the structures and functions of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids in organisms?
Key terms
What are Proteins ?
Proteins perform many functions in living organisms which makes them important. They are macromolecules that help organisms catalyze reactions, transport molecules, copy and synthesize DNA, and communicate between cells.
Proteins Functions
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Cell structures- Proteins give the structure of the cell in the cytoskeleton of eukaryotic cells.
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Animal Structures-Hair, nails, and molecules are made by proteins.
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Cell Function- Determines what substances go in or exit the cells.
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Enzymes-When proteins are enzymes they carry out some chemical reactions. If there was no such thing as enzymes reactions in cells would not happen fast enough, so we would die.
The functions of nucleic acids:
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Encoding Genetic Information- The genetic information of a cell is encoded by the DNA. The organisms carry out chemical reactions and cellular functions by getting instructions from genes.
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Protein Synthesis- Genetic information is transported to the ribosomes to make proteins by RNA.
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Composing Ribosomes- Composing ribosomes are made up of RNA and proteins.
It's your turn!
Use the information you have recieved above to answer the questions below. when you are finished you can compare your answers to the correct answers on our answer key page.
1. What are the monomers called that nucleic cells are made up of ?
A.) Nucleotides
B.) Carbon
C.) Ribosomes
2. What holds the two strands of DNA together to form a double strand?
A.) Phosphate-sugar backbone
B.) Hydrogen bonds
3. Is DNA usually found as a double-stranded or a single strand molecule?
A.)Double-stranded
B.) Single strand
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4. How much percent of water does an average have in their body?
6. What is solubility?
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