Basic Chemistry - BIOL 190L

What is an element?

Anything that cannot be broken down into a simpler substance and still retain its unique chemical properties

What is an atom?

The smallest unit of matter that makes up an element

What is a molecule?

Two or more atoms forming a chemical bond with one another

What is a chemical formula?

How molecules are written

What is condensation?

Reaction linking monomers to create polymers while removing H2O

What is hydrolysis?

Reaction breaking down polymers to monomers, while adding H2O

What are the 4 biochemicals in humans? 

Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, and Nucleic Acids

What were the 3 molecules + Amino Acids tested in lab?

1. Carbohydrates - Reducing sugars (monosaccharide) and Starches (polysaccharide)

2. Lipids

3. Proteins

What was the positive and negative control for testing reducing sugars? 

Positive: glucose, Negative: DI water

What was the positive and negative control for testing starches? 

Positive: starch, Negative: DI water

What was the positive and negative control for testing lipids?

Positive: cream, Negative: DI water

What was the positive and negative control for testing protein? 

Positive: egg albumin, Negative: DI water

What is a buffer?

Substances stabilizing pH by either adding or absorbing H+

What is buffering capacity? 

Measure of ability to resist change in pH 

What does being acidic mean?

Has a lower pH (1-6.99) and more H+ ions

What does being neutral mean?

Has pH 7

What does being basic mean? 

Has a higher pH (7.01-14) and less H+ ions

What is the reagent used for testing reducing sugars and what is the positive and negative result? 

Reagent: Benedict’s 

Positive result: Green, yellow, orange, red

Negative result: Blue

What is the reagent used for testing starches and what is the positive and negative result? 

Reagent: Iodine

Positive: Blue/Black

Negative: Yellow

What is the reagent used for testing Lipids and what is the positive and negative result? 

Reagent: Sudan III

Positive: orange, red-orange

Negative: Colorless, red-particles, light orange

What is the reagent used for testing proteins and what is the positive and negative result? 

Reagent: Biuret’s

Positive: Violet

Negative: Blue