Question

1.Pathways, Metabolism & Intermolecular Interactions:

List and briefly explain the three main type of biochemical pathways

Draw the full structure of ATP molecule and label one anhydride bond nucleic base nucleosides and nucleotide segments

Label one electrophile and one nucleophile within the ATP molecule

Circle and name the specific bond the is being cleaved during the ATP hydrolysis

Draw the structure of deprotonated lactic acid

Draw and label all possible intermolecular interactions between deprotonated lactic acid and water

Note: be specific in the drawing in terms of water orientation (position of oxygen vs. position of hydrogen)

Answer 1

Ans. #1. ATP:

All the phosphorous atom is linked to four O-atoms. O-atom is highly electronegative and pull the electrons from central P-atom towards themselves. Thus, the P-atom gets partial positive charge and seeks electrons.

Therefore, P-atoms act as electrophile (a chemical species exhibiting affinity for electrons).

# The O-atoms of phosphate groups and –OH groups of ribose sugar act as nucleophile.

#2. Lactate ion:

The lactate ion forms H-bonds with water molecules as shown in figure.

Since water is a neutral molecule, it can NOT exert ionic interactions with lactate ion.