ASSIGNMENT
Choose and answer one of the questions below. Be complete with your answer. You may write a paragraph, make drawings or bullet points but it should clearly answer all parts of the question.
A complete, well-written and accurate submission will earn up to 4 points (towards the 39 on the exam).
1.) H bonding is the mechanism behind all the emergent properties of water we discussed. Explain why Hydrogen bonds form (include mention of partial charges, electronegativity, polar covalent bonds). How many H bonds can each molecule of water form? For each of the 4 properties we discussed (CAVE acronym) explain how H bonding results in that property.
2.) Protein structure is critical to function. Explain the 4 levels of protein structure in terms of what is occurring (what kind of interaction), what kind of impact it has on shape and how it connects to the next level of structure. Use the example of an enzyme and explain how the shape of an enzyme is important to its function. Why would something like a mutation in the sequence of AA or environmental conditions like a high temperature impact the function of the enzyme?
3.) In order for work to be done in the cell there must be energy coupling. We talked a lot about this in the context of chemical reactions. Explain energy coupling and include in your answer endergonic and exergonic reactions, the concept of delta G and free energy (the potential/ chemical energy in reactants and products) and how the laws of thermodynamics link into this topic.
4.) A working cell requires significant amounts of ATP to carry out functions. Cellular respiration is the metabolic pathway for ATP synthesis. Explain the parts of cellular respiration (there are 4), where they occur, and how they contribute to the ultimate synthesis of ATP (your answer should include reduced electron carriers, the electron transport chain, H+ s, and ATP synthase). When discussing the pathway include the inputs and out puts of cellular respiration and where along the pathway they fit in.
