Essay

biological molecules and their importance in maintaining biochemical processes

2 purchases

Institution
PEARSON (PEARSON)

biological molecules and their importance in maintaining biochemical processes. first assignments given for unit 1o . distinction levelled and references included

[Show more]

Preview 3 out of 21 pages

View example

Uploaded on May 22, 2022
Number of pages 21
Written in 2020/2021
Type Essay
Professor(s) Unknown
Grade A+

lizzieolaniyi Member since 3 year 36 documents sold

Unit 10

Water

The overall structure of a water molecule is bent, with two hydrogen atoms linked to an oxygen atom.
Water contains two covalent bonds because the lone pairs of electrons in oxygen that are not shared
by hydrogen resist the bonding pairs and push them closer together. In addition to establishing bonds
with hydrogen atoms, the oxygen atom possesses two pairs of unshared electrons. All electron pairs
resist each other, both shared and unshared. H20 has a covalent bond, which means they share
electrons, resulting in a strong electrostatic attraction.

Hydrogen bonds are also used to structure water. The oxygen nucleus attracts electrons more strongly
than the hydrogen nucleus (i.e., the proton); oxygen is more electronegative. As a result, the
distribution of electrons between H and O is uneven. The water molecule has two electric dipoles, one
along each of the H—O links, due to the uneven electron sharing. The oxygen atom bears a partial
negative charge (δ−), and each hydrogen a partial positive charge (δ+). A hydrogen bond is formed by
the electrostatic attraction between the oxygen atom of one water molecule and the hydrogen of
another water molecule.

Because of its bent shape and the existence of two hydrogen atoms per molecule, water forms several
hydrogen bonds at the same time. Water molecules can break and repair their hydrogen bonds when
they move from one location to another in the liquid state..

,Importance of water

Because water is a solvent, it can dissolve substances more effectively than any other liquid, making it
vital to all living things on the planet. This means that water transports important minerals and
nutrients everywhere it travels, whether through our bodies or the air. Water-based solutions, such as
blood, aid in the transport of molecules to their proper places. The function of water as a solvent in our
bodies is to aid in the movement of molecules such as oxygen for breathing. Water is also a good
choice for chemical reactions since it can store a lot of heat, is electrically neutral, and has a pH of 7.0,
which means it is neither acidic nor basic. Water is also used in many enzymatic processes as a bond-
breaking agent or as a bond-forming agent when it is removed from a molecule. The major source of
water flow in the xylem is transpiration. Water is drawn from the soil through the root hairs and into
the root xylem when the water potential is negative. Water is drawn up the xylem via cohesion and
adhesion. Water is drawn from the leaf through the stoma through transpiration.

The electrolyte balance is also influenced by water. When the concentration of extracellular electrolytes
( electrolytes outside the cell) rises, water diffuses out of the cell into the extracellular space via
osmosis, diluting the extracellular fluid and raising the concentration of intercellular electrolytes
( electrolytes within the cell).

At pH 7, the amounts of H+ and OH- ions in water are equal. pH is highly important to living beings.
They work best when the internal pH is near to the ideal level. As a result, water is crucial in
controlling pH in living organisms. When hydrogen of hydroxide ions is introduced to buffer solutions,
such as those present in the blood, the pH does not change. Water can receive and donate H+ as
needed, which implies it plays a vital part in maintaining a constant pH. Solutions would not be able to
maintain the proper pH without the presence of water.

Water can endure temperature changes since changing temperature requires a lot of energy. The
hydrogen bonds between the water molecules are to blame for this. Water molecules get more kinetic
energy and begin to vibrate more as the temperature rises, and the hydrogen bonds between the
water molecules breaks. This means that water molecules form and break hydrogen bonds at a faster
pace, increasing the make-break rate. Breaking hydrogen bonds requires a significant quantity of heat
energy. When the temperature of water drops, hydrogen bonds can develop, restricting the movement
of water molecules. This resistance to rapid temperature change means that water is an excellent
habitat. Living organisms that live in water will not be exposed to potentially life-threatening
temperature changes.

Carbohydrates

Monosaccharides

Alpha glucose

, Beta glucose

Glucose (C6H12O6) is a hexose, which means it is a monosaccharide with six carbon atoms. An aldehyde
is glucose (contains a -CHO group). The most stable form for six-carbon aldoses is a "pyranose ring,"
which consists of five carbon atoms plus an oxygen atom. Except for the fifth atom, which is connected
to a 6th carbon atom outside the ring, producing a CH2OH group, each carbon in this ring is linked to
hydroxyl and hydrogen side groups.
Galactose

Galactose, like glucose, is a monosaccharide with the molecular formula C6H12O6. It has a structure
similar to glucose, with one hydroxyl group in a different location. Galactose, on the other hand, has
chemical and metabolic characteristics that are distinct from glucose. Lactose, a disaccharide made up
of one molecule of glucose and one molecule of galactose, is the most common dietary source of
galactose. Galactose helps in neurological and immunological processes and has a variety of biological
roles. Galactose is found in a variety of macromolecules (cerebrosides, gangliosides, and
mucoproteins) that make up the membrane of nerve cells.

Fructose

It's a natural substance. C6H12O6 is its chemical formula in general. One of the most important
biological roles of fructose is that it serves as an alternate metabolite for energy, particularly when

The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:

Guaranteed quality through customer reviews

Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.

Quick and easy check-out

You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.

Focus on what matters

Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!

Frequently asked questions

What do I get when I buy this document?

You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.

Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?

Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.

Who am I buying these notes from?

Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller lizzieolaniyi. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.

Will I be stuck with a subscription?

No, you only buy these notes for £8.39. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.

Can Stuvia be trusted?

4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)

69052 documents were sold in the last 30 days

Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy revision notes and other study material for 15 years now

Start selling

Essay

biological molecules and their importance in maintaining biochemical processes

Document information

Subjects

Written for

Seller

Reviews received

Content preview