EASY
Diploma
IMPORTANT
Earn 100

Identify, by marking with asterisk (*) symbols, all chiral carbon atoms in the molecules of leucine, isoleucine, valine, proline, and threonine (sub-topic B.2, table 1). Remember that some amino acids contain more than one chiral centre.

Important Questions on Biochemistry

EASY
Diploma
IMPORTANT
The reason why only L-enantiomers of 2-amino acids are found in proteins remains a mystery. It is possible that this selection was made arbitrarily and then fixed firmly in evolutionary history. Discuss the role of random events in evolution.
EASY
Diploma
IMPORTANT
The reason why only L-enantiomers of 2-amino acids are found in proteins remains a mystery. It is possible that this selection was made arbitrarily and then fixed firmly in evolutionary history. A photosynthesizing organism based on D-amino acids could potentially be created artificially. Discuss possible environmental implications of such an experiment.
EASY
Diploma
IMPORTANT

The structures of vitamin C and the preservatives 2-BHA and BHT are shown in figure 17.

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Determine any chiral carbon atoms in these three compounds by placing an asterisk, *, beside them on a copy of the figure.

EASY
Diploma
IMPORTANT
Two stereoisomers with the same molecular formula often have very different biological activities. Explain, with reference to enzymatic catalysis, why only certain stereoisomers can be metabolized by living organisms.
EASY
Diploma
IMPORTANT

The monosaccharide D-fructose is sweeter than D-glucose, so it can be used in smaller amounts in foods. Identify the stereoisomer (α- or β-) of the cyclic forms of glucose and fructose in figure 18.

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EASY
Diploma
IMPORTANT
The monosaccharide D-fructose is sweeter than D-glucose, so it can be used in smaller amounts in foods. Draw the Fischer projection of L-fructose.
EASY
Diploma
IMPORTANT
The monosaccharide D-fructose is sweeter than D-glucose, so it can be used in smaller amounts in foods. Galactose is a C-4 epimer of glucose. Draw the Fischer projection of D-galactose and the Haworth projection of β-galactose.
EASY
Diploma
IMPORTANT
Starch and cellulose are polysaccharides found in many plants. Compare the structures of starch and cellulose.