Questions on Introduction to biochemistry

1. (a) Photosynthesis describes the process used by plants to synthesise energy-rich molecules such as carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water using visible light.

(i) State the summary equation for the formation of a carbohydrate with the formula C₆H₁₂O₆ from carbon dioxide and water.

(ii) Determine the change in the oxidation number of carbon during photosynthesis.

(iii) Outline the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis

(i) State the primary function of respiration in animals.

(ii) Explain how photosynthesis and respiration help to maintain the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

2. Biopolymers are formed by condensation reactions.

(a) Explain why at least two different organic products can be formed when two 2-amino acids condense together and give one example of two different 2-amino acids that can condense together to form more than two different organic products..

(b) Use Section 33 of the IB databooklet to identify the three different 2-amino acids that have condensed together to form part of the polymer depicted below:

(c) Use the cyclic forms of α-glucose and fructose given in Section 34 of the IB data booklet to write the equation for the formation of sucrose.

3. Explain the difference between condensation and hydrolysis reactions in terms of anabolism and catabolism.

Introduction to biochemistry