Biochemistry Basics in studying biology
Biochemistry Basics 1
Biochemistry Basics What concepts from chemistry are helpful in studying biology?
Why? Typically chemistry is a prerequisite course for advanced biology courses. This is because everything in your body, everything in a plant, everything in a virus, etc. is made of atoms. The structures and properties of the molecules in an organism determine the features and properties of the organism. Which molecules are polar, which are nonpolar? Which molecules have acidic properties, which have basic prop- erties? A quick review of these concepts at the beginning of your advanced biology course will help you to understand the molecular basis for life.
Model 1 – Molecular Drawings
Ball-and-stick model of 1-pentanol
Lewis structure of 1-pentanol
CH
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
C
H
H
C C C O H
Line drawing of 1-pentanol
OH H3C
Ball-and-stick model of glucose Lewis structure of glucose
OC
C C
CC
C
H
H OH
H
H
HH
OH
H OH
OHHO
Line drawing of glucose
HO
OH
OH
OH
OH
O
Ball-and-stick model of unsaturated fatty acid
Lewis structure of unsaturated fatty acid
C C
H
C
H
H
C
OH
H H
H
H
H H
H H
H H H
C
H
H
C
H
H
H
H H
H H
H O H
C C
C C
C C C C
Line drawing of unsaturated fatty acid
O
OH CH3
1. Name the three molecules that are illustrated in Model 1.
2. Name the three types of drawings that are used to illustrate the molecules in Model 1.
2 POGIL™ Activities for AP* Biology
3. How many bonds are typically formed by each of the following atoms:
Carbon Hydrogen Oxygen
4. Which types of drawings in Model 1 provide more accurate images of the shape of a molecule? Justify your reasoning.
5. Refer to Model 1.
a. Symbols or atoms of what element(s) are missing from the line drawings?
b. In reading a line drawing, how do you know where atoms of these elements are in the struc- ture if they are missing from the drawing?
6. Locate the carbon and hydrogen atoms in the line drawing of isoleucine shown below and draw them in as if the drawing were a Lewis structure.
O
Isoleucine
NH2
CH3
H3C OH
7. Isopropyl alcohol is a three-carbon molecule with an –OH group attached to the middle carbon atom. Draw this molecule using all three types of drawings.
8. If you were asked to write the chemical formula for one of the compounds in Model 1, which type of the drawing would be the easiest to use? Justify your reasoning.
9. What is the advantage to a scientist in using a line drawing rather than a ball-and-stick model or Lewis structure?
Biochemistry Basics 3
Model 2 – Properties of Biological Molecules
Polar Molecules (hydrophilic)
Nonpolar Molecules (hydrophobic)
