Basic Chemistry, Biochemical Groups, and Cell Biology Assessment

The following Subject Learning Outcomes are covered in this assessment.

a) Explore the fundamental principles of basic chemistry as relevant to human biochemistry and health science

c) Describe the structure and function of major biochemical groups including carbohydrates, lipids and proteins

d) Identify the structure and function of nucleic acids in cells and describe DNA organisation and replication

e) Explain the structure of the biological membrane and compare the associated forms of transportation

f) Describe the basic concepts of cell biology at the cellular and molecular levels and briefly describe cell differentiation

1. Glucose is a biochemically important monosaccharide. Name the functional groups present in a glucose molecule and the link to water solubility of this simple sugar. Briefly describe the primary function of glucose in human body. (5 marks)

2. Glycogen is a polysaccharide. Identify the function of glycogen in the body and name themajor location(s) for glycogen storage. Which  monosaccharide(s) is (are) the building block of glycogen? (3marks)

3. There are some similarities and differences in the structure and function of starch and cellulose. Identify two major differences in the structure or function of these two polysaccharides. Why can human body use starch as a source of energy and cellulose is not considered as an energy source? (5 marks)

4. Maltose, Lactose and Sucrose are disaccharides. Identify the components of each of these disaccharides. Name where in the nature each of these three disaccharides can be found. (6 marks)

5. Lactose is the principal carbohydrate in milk. Lactose intolerance is characterized by abdominal pain and distension, flatus, and diarrhoea induced by lactose in dairy products. Briefly discuss the link between the enzyme lactase and lactose intolerance. (1 marks)

1. Identify four major functions of lipids in the human body. (2marks)

2. Triacylglycerols are highly concentrated energy source in the body. Discuss hydrolysis of triacylglycerols. (5 marks)

3. What is the only characteristic that is common in all lipids? (1 mark)

4. Lipids play a vital role in the efficient functioning of the human body. State what makes lipids an ideal cell membrane component. Name four major components of cell membrane, briefly explain the role of phospholipids and Cholesterol. In addition, discuss the role of proteins in the transport across the cell membrane. (12marks)

1. Proteins are large, complex molecules that play many critical roles in human body. Proteins are required for the structure, function and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs. Name six major functions of proteins in the human body with one example for each. (6marks)

2. Glutathione is an antioxidant present in almost every cell in the body, playing a role in the biotransformation of drugs and xenobiotics. Describe the structure of this compound by identifying the components of glutathione. (2marks)

3. Denaturation:

1. Describe denaturation of a proteins at high temperatures by explaining the changes to the structure and function of a protein. Use enzymes as an example. In your answer include which levels of structure are affected by denaturation process. (5 marks)
   
   
2. Give four examples for denaturing agents. (2 marks)

4. Using your knowledge of enzyme structure explain the competitive inhibition of enzymes. (5 marks)

1. Explain the composition and function of ATP. (3marks)

2. DNA and DNA replication:
   
   
   1. What is the function of DNA molecules in a human cell? (2marks)
      
      
   2. What is DNA replication? (2marks)
      
      
   3. Describe the function of Helicase, and DNA polymerase in DNA replication process. (4marks)

3. Briefly explain the following three ways of transport across the cell membrane: simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion and active transport. (6marks)

4. List 4 components of a eukaryotic cell. Name the main function of mitochondria in the cell. (3 marks)