Question

1. Define polymer.  Nucleotides are polymerized to form _______ and ________ while amino acids are polymerized to form ________.
2. Metabolic energy is derived from the breakdown of _________ to form _______which can be used to build _______.  Define metabolism and compare and contrast (similarities and differences) catabolism with anabolism.  Lastly, why are viruses not considered to be alive?
3. Draw a graph of a chemical reaction plotting Energy level on the Y axis and the reaction progress on the X access.  Show the energy level in the reactant as the reaction progresses to becoming the product.  Show two lines.  One reaction without an enzyme and one reaction with an enzyme.   

Answer 1

Single units called monomers combine to form larger units called polymers.

Nucleotides are polymerized to form DNA and RNA while amino acids are polymerized to form proteins.

Metabolic energy is derived from the breakdown of fats to form fatty acids and glycerol which can be used to build fats or lipids.

Metabolism is sum total of building up reactions called anabolism or breakdown reactions called catabolism.

Both the processes are energy-related and both the processes are required for the proper functioning of the body.

Catabolism breaks down big complex molecules into smaller, easier to absorb molecules whereas Anabolism builds molecules required for the body’s functionality.

The process of catabolism releases energy whereas Anabolic processes require energy.

In catabolism, potential energy is changed into kinetic energy WHEREAS, In anabolism, kinetic energy is converted into potential energy.

Viruses are not made out of cells, they can't keep themselves in a stable state, they don't grow, and they can't make their own energy. They can be crystallized for a longer time period.