Module 2: Foundations in Biology

OCR Biology A Checklist

2.1.2 Biological molecules

Specification Checklist
reference questions

2.1.2 a Describe how hydrogen bonding occurs between water molecules.

Relate hydrogen bonding, and other properties of water, to the roles of

2.1.2 a
water in living organisms.

2.1.2 b Explain the concept of monomers and polymers.

Explain the importance of condensation and hydrolysis reactions in a

2.1.2 b
range of biological molecules.

2.1.2 c List the chemical elements that make up biological molecules.

Describe the ring structure and properties of glucose as an example of a

2.1.2 d
hexose monosaccharide.

Describe the structure of ribose as an example of a pentose

2.1.2 d
monosaccharide.

Describe the synthesis and breakdown of a disaccharide and

2.1.2 e
polysaccharide by the formation and breakage of glycosidic bonds.

Describe the structure of starch (amylose and amylopectin), glycogen, and

2.1.2 f
cellulose molecules.

Explain how the structures and properties of glucose, starch, glycogen,

2.1.2 g
and cellulose molecules relate to their functions in living organisms.

Describe the structure of a triglyceride and a phospholipid as examples of

2.1.2 h
macromolecules.

Explain the synthesis and breakdown of triglycerides by the formation

2.1.2 i (esterification) and breakage of ester bonds between fatty acids and
glycerol.

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 Module 2: Foundations in Biology
OCR Biology A Checklist

Describe how the properties of triglyceride, phospholipid, and cholesterol

2.1.2 j
molecules relate to their functions in living organisms.

2.1.2 k Describe the general structure of an amino acid.

Describe the synthesis and breakdown of dipeptides and polypeptides, by

2.1.2 l
the formation and breakage of peptide bonds.

2.1.2 m Explain the levels of protein structure.

Describe the structure and function of globular proteins including a

2.1.2 n
conjugated protein.

2.1.2 o List the properties and functions of fibrous proteins.

2.1.2 p List the key inorganic ions that are involved in biological processes.

Describe how to carry out and interpret the results of the following
chemical tests:
• biuret test for proteins
2.1.2 q • Benedict’s test for reducing and non- reducing sugars
• reagent test strips for reducing sugars
• iodine test for starch
• emulsion test for lipids?

Use quantitative methods to determine the concentration of a chemical

2.1.2 r
substance in a solution.

Describe the principles and uses of paper and thin layer chromatography
2.1.2 s i
to separate biological molecules / compounds.

Carry out practical investigations to analyse biological solutions using

2.1.2 s ii
paper or thin layer chromatography.

© Oxford University Press 2015 www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/acknowledgements

This resource sheet may have been changed from the original 2