Biochem Problemset 1

CHE 4427-01 Biochemistry II SPRING 2021

Problem Set #1

1. The leaves of some species of desert plants taste sour in the early morning, but, as the day wears on, they become tasteless and then bitter. Explain.

2. Plants must obtain CO2 but avoid the loss of H2O by evaporation. What would be the effect of increased atmospheric [CO2] on photosynthesis? Would the effect be the same for C3 and C4 plants?

3. How the increase in atmospheric [CO2] due to climate change will have an effect on plants’ water consumption?

4. Describe how C4 plants have an advantage over C3 plants?

5. Explain the process of changing colors of plant leaves during fall and winter?

6. What is the charge of bile acids in the small intestine (pH 7-8)?

7. What are the three steps of beta oxidation that resembles citric acid cycle?

8. Explain why inhibiting the activity of acetyl-CoA carboxylase do not change the body mass of a human?

9. Why adipocytes require glucose in addition to fatty acids to synthesize TAG?

10. Draw the structures of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylglycerol.