CHEM 210 BIOCHEMISTRY - M1: Problem Set Questions With Complete Solutions

What are three ways that biochemists study biological organisms? correct answer: Biochemists study 1) the relationship between structure and function of biomolecules, 2) chemical reactions of organisms (metabolism), and 3) communication within and among organisms. What is the definition of biochemistry? correct answer: Often referred to as the chemistry of life, biochemistry asks how the remarkable properties of organisms relate to their molecules. What is another name for firefly? correct answer: lightning bug Is Li an element common in biological organisms? correct answer: No. See Figure 1.3 for the common elements. What is known as the "medium of life"? correct answer: Water What is the bond angle associated with trigonal pyramidal shape? correct answer: 107.5 degrees Are transition metals commonly found in biological organisms? correct answer: Yes. They are trace elements in organisms. See Figure 1.3 for examples. True or false: Water can make up 85% (by mass) of a living organism. correct answer: True. Some plants are made up of 90% water by mass. True or false: Large elements tend to make the strongest covalent bonds. correct answer: False. Smaller elements tend to make the strongest bonds due to significant overlap. Name three bulk elements. Name three trace elements. correct answer: Bulk elements: H, C, N, O, Na, P, S, Cl, K, and Ca, Trace elements: Mg, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo, I, and W. Differentiate between inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry. correct answer: Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-based compounds. Inorganic chemistry is the study of all other elements. Is H2O an organic molecule? How about CO2? C100H202? correct answer: Water is not organic; it does not contain carbon. Both CO2 and C100H202 are organic compounds. The next row of Table 1 would be the 6-carbon alkane, hexane. Write out its chemical formula and condensed formula. correct answer: chemical formula: C6H14, Condensed formula: CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3