BIOC 3021 TEST 1 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Most abundant elements in living organisms - ANSWER Hydrogen, oxygen,
carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, sulfur

Number of essential minerals for body function - ANSWER 17

Strength of covalent bonds - ANSWER Strongest bonds in biomolecules

Covalent bond - ANSWER An electron is shared between atoms

Ionic bond - ANSWER An electron is donated between atoms

Hydrogen bond - ANSWER the H takes on a partial positive charge and the
electronegative atom takes on a partial negative charge

Most common atoms in hydrogen bonding - ANSWER oxygen and nitrogen

Why are hydrogen bonds essential for biochemistry? - ANSWER Protein
structure, binding of enzymes to substrates, holds the DNA double helix
together

Hydrogen bonds are responsible for what properties in water - ANSWER 1.
Cohesiveness and adhesiveness
2. High heat capacity
3. High heat of vaporization
4. Expansion upon freezing
5. Versatility as a solvent

Cause of VDW interactions - ANSWER caused by induced electrical
interactions between closely approaching atoms

Relative strength of bonds from weakest to strongest - ANSWER VDW,
Hydrogen bond, ionic bond, covalent bond