MBLG1001 Final: MBLG1001 Final Exam Study Notes

• School: University of Sydney
• Department: Microbiology
• Course: MBLG1001
• Professor: All

Document Summary

Biopolymers: biopolymer = a naturally occurring polymer, major classes: (1) carbohydrates (2) fats (3) proteins (4) nucleic acids, general properties: Linear polymers have a chemically defined beginning and end. Part of the monomer is lost in polymerization- residue incorporated into chain. Nb: the properties of polymers will differ from their constituent monomers. Contain an atom with at least 3 bonding options. Must form stronger bonds with itself than oxygen. Nb: there are 3 likely reactions: oxidation, hydrolysis and dissociation (the o2 and. H2o (g) in the atmosphere and ambient temp ~20o make oxidation and hydrolysis most likely: requirements for polymerization: Nb: life on earth = carbon based- all major biopolymers have a carbon backbone but it is not the most abundant element (o- 47%, si- 28%, al- 7. 9%: can form 4 bonds (4 bonding e) Can bond directly to itself (single, double, triple) and form long chains- Side chains are able to hang off backbone chain.