Download Biochemistry: The Chemistry of Life

BIOLOGY KEYSTONE EXAM REVIEW PACKET
Module 1: Biochemistry, Basic Biological Principles, Homeostasis and Transport, Bioenergetics
Module 2: Ecology, Cell Growth and Reproduction, Genetics, Theory of Evolution
Biochemistry: The Chemistry of Life
Standards:
 Explain how carbon is uniquely suited to form biological macromolecules.
 Compare the structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids in organisms.
 Describe and interpret relationships between structure and function at various levels biochemical organization (ie. Atoms, molecules,
macromolecules)
Atom = Basic unit of matter
Elements essential to life = CHNOPS
Atoms  Molecules  Macromolecules
Carbon is unique because it forms up to 4 bonds enabling the formation of large, complex
macromolecules with multiple functions (See the macromolecules chart below.)
Macromolecule
Atomic
Makeup
Monomer Name
Carbohydrate
(Polysaccharide)
C, H, O
(1:2:1)
Simple Sugars
(Monosaccharides)
Protein
(Polypeptide chains)
C, H, N, O,
sometimes S
(-NH2)
(-COOH)
Amino acids
Lipid
(Do not dissolve in
water = nonpolar)
C, H, O
Fatty acids &
glycerol
Nucleic Acid
C, H, N, O, P
Nucleotides
Examples
(Polymers)
Cellulose, Glycogen,
Starch, Sugars
Foods: grain, bread,
rice, fruit, pasta
Enzymes, Antibodies,
Hemoglobin
Muscle
Functions
Primary energy source
&
Major component of
plant cell structure
Foods: beans, nuts,
meat, fish
Aid in:
Movement, transport of
molecules in cells,
digestion, vision, speed
up reactions in living
things
Fats, Oils, Cholesterol,
Steroids, Hormones,
Phospholipids
Source of stored energy,
major component in
plasma (cell) membranes
DNA
RNA
Contain genetic
information & aid in
protein production
Monomer
Drawing
Polymer
Drawing
Standards:
 Describe how biological macromolecules form monomers.
Hydrolysis = breaks down macromolecules
(polymers broken down into monomers)
vs.
Dehydration Synthesis = builds (synthesizes) macromolecules
(monomers form polymers)
Standards:

Describe the role of an enzyme as a catalyst in regulating a specific biochemical reaction.

Explain how factors such as pH, temperature and concentration levels can affect enzyme function.
Enzymes = a protein that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being changed by the reaction; enzymes are catalysts
Catalyst = A substance that enables a chemical reaction to proceed at a usually faster rate

pH, temperature and concentration impact how enzymes function

extreme changes in pH and temperature can cause enzymes to denature (change shape) leaving them useless

most living things can only survive in a narrow pH range; large fluctuations in pH can be deadly

enzymes can be reused as long as they are not damaged

enzymes are specific and each enzyme can only speed up one type of reaction

How do enzymes work? Using the Lock and Key Model OR Enzyme Substrate Complex
Standards:

Describe the unique properties of water and how these properties support life on Earth (ie, freezing point, high specific heat, cohesion, adhesion, surface tension)
Properties of Water = essential to life (a result of hydrogen bonding)

Cohesion = water molecules are attracted to each other (forms water droplets)

Adhesion = water molecules are attracted to different molecules (water sticks to leaves)

Capillary action = cohesion and adhesion work together to allow water to work against gravity (water traveling up roots)

Surface tension = cohesion at work which results in a tension or “film” to form on water (water strider walking on water)

High specific heat = water requires a lot of heat energy to raise its temperature; resists changes in temperature

Freezing point = 0°C (Less dense as a liquid; therefore ice floats); water expands as it freezes

Universal solvent = dissolves most substances (important in dissolving and transporting nutrients, minerals, etc).
pH = The measure of acidity or alkalinity (basicity) of a solution scaling from 1 (highly acidic) to 14 (highly alkaline) with a midpoint of 7 (neutral).