Questions and Answers

Describe why enzymes are important in all living organisms in terms of a reaction rate necessary to sustain life

Describe enzymes as proteins that are involved in all metabolic reactions, where they function as biological catalysts

Describe the structure of a DNA molecule: (a) two strands coiled together to form a double helix (b) each strand contains chemicals called bases (c) bonds between pairs of bases hold the strands together (d) the bases always pair up in the same way: A with T, and C with G (full names are not required)

Describe the use of: (a) iodine solution test for starch (b) Benedict’s solution test for reducing sugars (c) biuret test for proteins (d) ethanol emulsion test for fats and oils (e) DCPIP test for vitamin C

State that large molecules are made from smaller molecules, limited to: (a) starch, glycogen and cellulose from glucose (b) proteins from amino acids (c) fats and oils from fatty acids and glycerol

List the chemical elements that make up: carbohydrates, fats and proteins

State that protein carriers move molecules or ions across a membrane during active transport

Explain the importance of active transport as a process for movement of molecules or ions across membranes, including ion uptake by root hairs

Describe active transport as the movement of particles through a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration (i.e. against a concentration gradient), using energy from respiration

Explain the importance of water potential and osmosis in the uptake and loss of water by organisms