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Amino acids, proteins and DNA (A-level only)
This A-level-only topic links organic chemistry to biological molecules.
8
Objectives
10
Flashcards
10
Questions
90 min
Study time
AqaA LevelChemistryOrganic chemistry
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Start revising Amino acids, proteins and DNA (A-level only)
Syllabus checklist
What you need to know
8 objective pages available
Amino acids and proteins (A-level only)4 objectives
- Describe amino acids as molecules containing amine and carboxylic acid groups.
- Explain zwitterion formation.
- Draw peptide bonds and explain condensation.
- Explain hydrolysis of proteins.
DNA chemistry (A-level only)4 objectives
- Describe the components of DNA nucleotides.
- Explain condensation reactions forming the sugar-phosphate backbone.
- Explain complementary base pairing using hydrogen bonds.
- Link DNA structure to information storage.
Key terms
Amino acidPeptide bondZwitterionPeptide BondCondensation ReactionProteaseNucleotideDeoxyribosePhosphodiester BondHydrogen bondComplementary base pairingDouble helix
Exam tips
- Understand the structure of amino acids: Draw the general structure of an amino acid to visualize the functional groups.
- Understand the structure of amino acids: Familiarize yourself with the general structure of amino acids and how they can exist in different forms depending on pH.
Common mistakes
- Confusing amino acids with other biomolecules: Remember that amino acids specifically contain both amine and carboxylic acid functional groups.
- Confusing zwitterions with charged ions: Remember that zwitterions have both positive and negative charges but are overall neutral, unlike fully charged ions.
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