Structure and function are very important to one another at the molecular level.
ID: 73016 • Letter: S
Question
Structure and function are very important to one another at the molecular level. Discuss this idea in depth by following the outline below, gradually developing your discussion from simple and small structures to larger and more complex ones. 1. Basic Chemistry atoms, valence shells (electrons), types of bonds, polar vs. nonpolar molecules 2. Functional Groups—what functional groups result from the interactions and structures discussed in #1? Give examples with some general properties of the functional groups you choose to use. Discuss the importance of hydrogen bonding. 3. Implications/Effects of #1 and #2 in the following: a. Water b. Carbon(why so important to life) c. pH d. membranes e. enzymes f. other proteins (non-enzyme) g. nucleic acids (base pairing in various processes h. cell cycle i. gene expression (especially the initiation of transcription)
Explanation / Answer
1). According to atomic theory, elements consist of tiny particles called “atoms.” Each element consists of only one kind of atom, and the same name is given to the element and its atoms. The name is represented by one or two letters, and is called the “atomic symbol” of a particular atom. For example, symbol “C” stands for carbon and “H” stands for hydrogen.
Each atom consists of neutrons (have no electrical charge), protons (have positive charge), and electrons (have negative charge). Protons and neutrons are located within the center of the nucleus, where as electrons move around the nucleus.
Each atom has a certain mass, which is the “atomic mass” of that particular atom. Atomic mass is the sum of the protons and neutrons present in that atom. Atoms of the same element with different atomic mass are known as isotopes. They differ in number of neutrons present.
Each atom interacts with another atom by means of a chemical bond such as covalent bond, hydrogen bond, ionic bond, etc. and forms a new molecule. If the atoms of same element bond together, they result in the formation of molecules of same element. If atoms of different kind bond with one another, they result in the formation of compound molecule or compounds.
Polar molecules are those, which dissociate in water and releases hydrogen (H+) or hydroxyl ions (OH-) and those that does not dissociate are known as non-polar molecules. Compounds releasing hydrogen ions in the presence of water are called as “acids.” A compound which releases hydroxyl ions in the presence of water is known as “base.” The acidity or basicity of a compound (i.e., weak or strong) is measured based on its extent of dissociation. The concentration of hydrogen ions is measured in terms of pH value.