Unit 2 - Biochemistry
Unit 2 - Biochemistry
Study Guide
LT #1 - I can identify the subatomic particles and describe how they are arranged in atoms.

Draw a diagram of an atom. Label the protons, neutrons, and electrons, along with
their charges.

What subparticles of the atom contain mass?

Explain how to calculate the atomic mass of an atom.

Describe the location of electrons.
What is their mass?
LT #2 - I can describe the differences between ions, isotopes, and atoms and their importance in biological processes.

Compare a cation to an anion.

Define isotope.

Explain the difference between Carbon-12 and Carbon-14.

Explain what makes an isotope radioactive.
LT #3 - I can compare and contrast ionic, covalent, and hydrogen bonding and Van der
Waals forces and discuss the difference between inter and intramolecular forces.

Compare and contrast ionic bonds and covalent bonds.
Unit 2 - Biochemistry

Which types of bonds are considered an intermolecular force, and what types of
bonds are considered intramolecular forces?

Which force is stronger, intramolecular or intermolecular?

Which type of bond is most prevalent in living things?
LT #4 - I can explain the unique properties of water including adhesion, cohesion, surface
tension, and capillary action.

Draw a water molecule and label the partial charges.

Explain what it means for a molecule to be polar.

What occurs between water molecules that give water all of its properties?

Differentiate between adhesion and cohesion and give an example of each.

Describe a solution.
What is a solute and a solvent?
LT #5 - I can explain the principles of the pH scale and basic properties of acids and bases,
including relative concentrations of hydrogen and hydroxide ions.

Define acid and base.

The pH scale ranges between…


Explain how a buffer works.
How many times more concentrated is a pH of 4 than a pH of 5?
Unit 2 - Biochemistry
LT #6 - I can explain the difference between organic and inorganic compounds and identify
each.

All organic compounds contain what elements?

Large compounds called polymers are built by joining smaller compounds, called
__________________, together.

Complete the following chart
Macromolecule
(organic compound)
Carbohydrate
Monomer
Polymer
Glycerol, fatty acids, phosphate group
Polynucleotide
Amino acids
LT #7 - I can describe the basic structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins,
and nucleic acids and identify each.

Name the macromolecule that is made of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms only
(usually in a 1:2:1 ratio)

Single or simple sugars are known as ____________________________________.

Living things use _________________________ as the main source of energy.

List the common categories of lipids.

What are lipids used for?

Explain the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats.

What are the monomers of nucleic acids called?

Name the 3 parts of a nucleotide.
Unit 2 - Biochemistry

List 2 examples of nucleic acids.


What do nucleic acids do?
Proteins are made of monomers called ______________ which are held together by
_______________ _____________.

What two functional groups are found on an amino acid?

List four specific roles of proteins.

Make a sketch of each of the four types of macromolecules so that you can identify
them by their structure.
LT #8 - I can describe and identify the general structure and function of common functional
groups.
 Name the following functional groups:
—OH
Unit 2 - Biochemistry
LT #9 - I can describe the function of enzymes and how enzyme
substrate specificity works in biochemical reactions.

Define chemical reaction. (Identify the reactants and products)

Draw a diagram of a chemical reaction with and without an enzyme. (be sure to note
the reactant’s energy, activation energy and product’s energy

What is the difference between an endergonic and exergonic reaction?

Enzymes are catalysts. What is an enzyme and what does it do?

Explain what an active site is.

How does temperature affect enzymes? (Be sure to note extreme high or low
temperatures)