Early in the course we spent time talking about carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids and lipids. All...

Early in the course we spent time talking about carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids and lipids. All of these are synthesized through condensation reactions.

A. What is a condensation reaction?

B. Why do condensation reactions require energy? Use concepts such as potential energy and entropy in your answer.

C. Describe the link between spontaneous/nonspontaneous reactions and energy.

Expert Solution

A) A condensation reaction is a class of organic addition reaction, in which a complex molecule is formed from its simpler subunits and water is released as a byproduct. Because of release of water this reaction got its name, it is also known as dehydration reaction. Synthesiz of major biological macro-molecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids and nucleic acids are the result of condensation reactions. All these macro molecules are synthesized from single subunits called their monomer (for example, amino acids for proteins, nucleotides for nucleic acids etc). The monomers combine together using covalent bonds to form larger molecules called polymers by releasing water molecules. This joining of one monomer to the other occurs by combining the hydrogen of one monomer (-H) with the hydroxyl group (-OH) of another monomer, releases one molecule of water (H2O).

B) Entropy is the measure of degree of randomness or disorder of a system. Entropy of a well organized system is low and entropy of a disorganized system is high. When speaking in terms of chemical reactions, entropy increases when a substance is broken up into multiple parts. So condensation reaction is arranging single monomers into a polymer. Hence its entropy is decreasing as a result of condensation. Also during condensation reactions, new covalent bonds are forming between monomers. Hence it requires energy. It is because the potential energy of atoms decreases when they are bonded to other atoms than when they are separated.

C) Reactions are favourable when the enthalpy of the system is low and entropy of the system is high. When both of these conditions are met, a reaction occurs naturally and it is called a spontaneous reaction. Whereas a non-spontaneous reaction is a reaction that does not favour the formation of products under the given set of conditions. Many chemical reactions release energy which can be used to do other processes (coupling of reactions). A spontaneous reaction releases free energy. Where as a non-spontaneous (endergonic) reaction is a chemical reaction in which the standard change in free energy is positive and energy is absorbed.

gladiator answered 2 years ago

What are the building blocks of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids?

Describe the function of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins in the structure of a virus.

Compare and contrast the difference between Proteins, Carbohydrates, Lipids and Nucleic acids?

We have discussed the major molecules in the cell (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids). You are...

We have discussed the major molecules in the cell (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids). You are going to chose one of these molecules and write a convincing argument for why it should be considered the most important of the four. In your argument you must include: 1) A description of the function of all four molecules and why your choice is the most important. 2) A description of the structure of the molecule you have chosen. 3) Four processes/functions that...

a few words, your own, about proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates. (small paragraph).

You are consuming a food item that contains carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and a substance...

You are consuming a food item that contains carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and a substance A stipulated to not be digestable by human enzymes, but digestible by bacterial enzymes into substance B. Discuss where and how each of the five nutrient types will be digested (multiple locations may be required), and how their absorbable components (monosaccharides, fatty acids, amino acids, nucleotides, and substance B) will be absorbed by the body. Include in your response a complete review of the...

What functional groups are associated with carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids What are the functions...

What functional groups are associated with carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids What are the functions of carbohydrates? Give examples of monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. What are the characteristics of lipids? How are saturated fats different from unsaturated fats?

You are consuming a food item that contains carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and a substance...

You are consuming a food item that contains carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and a substance A stipulated to not be digestible by human enzymes, but digestible by bacterial enzymes into substance B. Discuss where and how each of the five nutrient types will be digested (multiple locations may be required), and how their absorbable components (monosaccharides, fatty acids, amino acids, nucleotides, and substance B) will be absorbed by the body. Include in your response a complete review of the...

What are the “building blocks” of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids? How do they play a...

What are the “building blocks” of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids? How do they play a key role in biophysical modeling on the molecular scale? In other words, why do we focus on these building blocks?

Unlike carbohydrates, nucleus acids, and lipids, proteins have diverse functions in a cell. Proteins are polymers...

Unlike carbohydrates, nucleus acids, and lipids, proteins have diverse functions in a cell. Proteins are polymers of the same subunits, amino acids. Discuss how the structure of amino acids allows proteins to perform so many functions. At least 250 words Please cite two sources

Question

Early in the course we spent time talking about carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids and lipids. All...

Solutions

Expert Solution

Related Solutions

What are the building blocks of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids?

Describe the function of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins in the structure of a virus.

Compare and contrast the difference between Proteins, Carbohydrates, Lipids and Nucleic acids?

We have discussed the major molecules in the cell (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids). You are...

a few words, your own, about proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates. (small paragraph).

You are consuming a food item that contains carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and a substance...

What functional groups are associated with carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids What are the functions...

You are consuming a food item that contains carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and a substance...

What are the “building blocks” of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids? How do they play a...

Unlike carbohydrates, nucleus acids, and lipids, proteins have diverse functions in a cell. Proteins are polymers...