how hydrogen bonding occurs between water molecules, and relate this, and other properties of water, to the roles of water for living organisms
A range of roles that relate to the properties of water, including solvent, transport medium, coolant and as a habitat AND roles illustrated using examples of prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
the concept of monomers and polymers and the importance of condensation and hydrolysis reactions in a range of biological molecules
the chemical elements that make up biological molecules
*To include:
the ring structure and properties of glucose as an example of a hexose monosaccharide and the structure of ribose as an example of a pentose monosaccharide
To include the structural difference between an α- and a β-glucose molecule AND the difference between a hexose and a pentose monosaccharide.
the synthesis and breakdown of a disaccharide and polysaccharide by the formation and breakage of glycosidic bonds
To include the disaccharides sucrose, lactose and maltose.
the structure of starch (amylose and amylopectin), glycogen and cellulose molecules
how the structures and properties of glucose, starch, glycogen and cellulose molecules relate to their functions in living organisms
the structure of a triglyceride and a phospholipid as examples of macromolecules
To include an outline of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.
the synthesis and breakdown of triglycerides by the formation (esterification) and breakage of ester bonds between fatty acids and glycerol
how the properties of triglyceride, phospholipid and cholesterol molecules relate to their functions in living organisms
To include hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions and energy content AND illustrated using examples of prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
the general structure of an amino acid
the synthesis and breakdown of dipeptides and polypeptides, by the formation and breakage of peptide bonds
the levels of protein structure
To include primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure AND hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions, disulfide bonds and ionic bonds.
the structure and function of globular proteins including a conjugated protein
To include haemoglobin as an example of a conjugated protein (globular protein with a prosthetic group), a named enzyme and insulin. PAG10
the properties and functions of fibrous proteins
To include collagen, keratin and elastin (no details of structure are required).
the key inorganic ions that are involved in biological processes
*To include the correct chemical symbols for the following cations and anions:
cations: calcium ions (Ca2+), sodium ions (Na+), potassium ions (K+), hydrogen ions (H+), ammonium ions (NH4+)
anions: nitrate (NO3–), hydrogencarbonate (HCO3–), chloride (Cl–), phosphate (PO43–), hydroxide, (OH–).*
how to carry out and interpret the results of the following chemical tests:
PAG 9
quantitative methods to determine the concentration of a chemical substance in a solution
To include colorimetry and the use of biosensors (an outline only of the mechanism is required). PAG 5
(i) the principles and uses of paper and thin layer chromatography to separate biological molecules / compounds
To include calculation of retention (Rf) values.
(ii) practical investigations to analyse biological solutions using paper or thin layer chromatography.
For example the separation of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins or nucleic acids. PAG 6