Chapters 2 and 3
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It is assumed that this is all prior knowledge
since you had chemistry.
Atomic structure, basic terminology, octet rule
and role of valence electrons in bonding.
6 key elements in biochemicals
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Still considered previous knowledge!!
Be able to compare and contrast ionic, covalent
(polar and nonpolar), hydrogen, and
hydrophobic interactions.
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Know key examples AS RELEVANT TO LIFE
Know how the bond is formed and relative strength
Predict resulting charge/dipoles
What is likely to happen to ionic compounds in
a biological system? (water based!)
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How many covalent bonds does carbon like to
form? Why? With what other atoms?
How does the electronegativity of an atom
affect its bonding tendencies?
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Which highly electronegative atoms do we need to
worry about in Biology?
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Relate the polarity of the water molecule to each of
the following properties of water:
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High heat capacity and heat of vaporization
Cohesion
Adhesion
Ability to dissolve certain substances (which?)
Now go back and discuss the significance of each of
these properties with regard to living things
Apply the phrase “like dissolves like”
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Functional Groups – what are they? What behaviors
do they “attach” to a molecule?
Be able to predict how chemicals will react based on their
collection of functional groups.
 Yes, you must memorize the list and their properties.
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Monomers vs. Polymers
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How are they built/broken down? Know the reactions
Other name for condensation?
Be able to name monomers/polymers for carbs, proteins
and nucleic acids
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What structural similarities do carbohydrates
have?
What are the roles of carbohydrates in living
things?
Differentiate between simple and complex
sugars in terms of energy usage.
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Know the significance of the following
monosaccharides: glucose, ribose and deoxyribose
How can different sugars have the same formula?
What are these called? Example? What significance
does this have biologically?
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How are monosaccharides linked to form di-,
oligo-, polysaccharides?
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Compare and contrast the structure and
function of starch, collagen and glycogen
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How does the structure of lipids compare to
that of carbs?
Identify the functions of lipids in living things
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How are triglycerides made?
Differentiate between the structure of fats and
oils
What aspect of the structure makes it such a
successful energy storage molecule?
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Describe the structure of a phospholipid
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How does it differ from a triglyceride?
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How does this difference enable phospholipids
to serve as the barrier of the cell?
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Differentiate between potential and kinetic
energy as it applies to metabolism
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Provide biologically relevant examples of
anabolic and catabolic reactions
Diagram the energy changes that happen
during anabolic and catabolic reactions and be
able to explain in terms of ΔG
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Relate the laws of thermodynamics (1 and 2) to
biological systems