Chemistry basics
Describe the structure of an atom (in terms of
protons, neutrons and electrons).
List the four major types of bio-molecules.
Contrast ion with atom.
Define anion and cation.
Describe the functions of the most common
elements found in living organisms.
What is meant by “trace elements?” What are
common trace elements in living organisms?
Contrast covalent, ionic and hydrogen bonds.
Describe condensation (dehydration synthesis)
and hydrolysis reactions.
Draw the condensation (dehydration synthesis)
and hydrolysis reactions for the formation of a
disaccharide and a glyceride.
Define monomer and polymer.
Water
Contrast adhesion with cohesion.
Write the molecular formula for water and draw
the atomic structure of the molecule.
Describe the cause and effect of the polar
nature of water.
Describe where and how water is able to form
hydrogen bonds.
Why does it take so much energy to change the
temperature of water?
What are the benefits to life of waters high
heat capacity?
Why is water such a
good solvent? What types of molecules will it
dissolve?
Why is the
transparency of water important for all life?
Carbohydrates
Draw the ring structure of glucose and ribose.
Know how to number the carbons in the ring
structure of glucose and ribose.
Define isomer.
List and give the function of two examples for
each of monosaccharide, disaccharides and
polysaccharides.
What is the generalized chemical formula of the
carbohydrates (ratio between the numbers of C, O
and H)?
Contrast the structure and functions of
cellulose, starch and glycogen.
Know the number of carbon atoms in a hexose and
a pentose.
Lipids
Draw the structure of glycerol and a generalized
fatty acid.
State three functions of lipids.
List and identify the molecular structure of the
common types of lipids.
Contrast HDL with LDL.
Identify and describe the difference between
saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.
From what sources are saturated and unsaturated
fatty acids commonly found?
Identify and describe the difference between cis-
and trans- fats.
List and identify the major parts of the
phospholipid molecule.
Describe why the head of a phospholipid is
hydrophilic.
Identify a monoglyceride, diglyceride and
triglyceride.
Identify the sterol fats based on their
molecular structure.
Compare energy storage of lipids with that of
carbohydrates.
