Hons/IB HL Bio: Molecular Biology (SL2) and Nucleic acids (HL7) - ANSWERS

Living organisms control their composition by a complex web of chemical reactions.

Molecular biology explains living processes in terms of the chemical substances involved.
Wellcome Trust – carbon - https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/uncategorized/2019/biological-roles-of-water-why-is-water-necessary-for-life/

 What are the four most common  Write down the general formula for
elements found in living organisms? carbohydrates: (CH2O)n or CxH2yOy
O - oxygen
 A polymer, or long chain molecule, is
N - nitrogen
made up of many monomers or single
C - carbon
subunits.
H - hydrogen

 How do animals obtain these four elements (one word!)? feeding / eating / ingestion
 How do plants obtain these four elements (not quite so simple!)?
Photosynthesis. (using carbon dioxide and water to make glucose (C 6H12O6)
and oxygen (O2)
Mineral ion uptake through roots from the soil for N in the form of mineral ions
such as nitrate (NO3-) ions. Many other elements are also acquired in this way.

 The table below shows some of the other elements required by living organisms.
Complete it to show one function for each of the elements in plant & animal cells:

Element Role in plants and animals (IB: remember at least one.

AP: understand all by the end of the 2 year course)
Used in two of the 20 amino acids (monomers that
Sulphur (S)
make proteins) found in living organisms.
Stabilises plant cell walls. Involved in muscle
Calcium (Ca)
contraction, and nerve impulse transmission.
Component of bones and teeth. Involved in blood
clotting.
Part of the phosphate head in phospholipids, which
Phosphorus (P)
make up all membranes in cells. Phosphates
(containing phosphorous atoms) is a key component
of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and ATP (acts as a
source of energy for the cell, made during cell
respiration). Component of bones and teeth.
Essential component of h(a)emoglobin (transports
Iron (Fe)
oxygen in red blood cells) and myoglobin
(“emergency” oxygen store in muscle tissue). Iron is
part of the chlorophyll molecule in plants – used for
photosynthesis.

Essential for transmission of nerve impulses.

Sodium (Na)
Sodium ions in the blood increase blood pressure
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 (sodium levels are regulated by the kidneys).
Involved in changing the osmotic balance of the
guard cells in stomata (pores in the surface of
leaves) to allow them to open and close - helps to
maintain turgor pressure in plant cells.

 What is the difference between:

a) An atom and an ion? Use the words cation and anion in your answer.
Atoms are the most basic units of an element, and usually have equal
numbers of protons and electrons. Ions are atoms that have become charged
by either losing electrons (to make positive cations) or gaining electrons (to
make negative anions)
b) Covalent and ionic bonding?
Ionic bond: is an electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. It occurs
between metal and non-metal atoms, when electrons are transferred between the
atoms to make charged ions.
Covalent bond: occurs between non-metal atoms, when electrons are shared
between atoms.

 What is the difference between an organic and an inorganic substance?

(In biology) organic substances are made by living organisms, and contain C, H
and O (and probably N), while inorganic substances are not made by living organisms
(but could contain the same elements).

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