Biology Unit 3 Questions Megathread

[HERculina]

arent all ions non-metallic?

[WhoTookMyUsername]

1. No

and

2. I would say yes.

Why aren't non -metal ions considered minerals?
what are they called (e.g. chlorine etc.)

[HERculina]

Why is it an advantage for hormones to be carried in the blood?

[vexx]

Why is it an advantage for hormones to be carried in the blood?

it's the fastest way for them to be delivered in the body and so they can act on target cells while travelling in the blood

[WhoTookMyUsername]

Are non - metallic ions considered minerals?


More importantly,
Is it more accurate (at VCE level) to write NADPH + H+ Instead of just NADPH to more accurately reflect the nature of the transfer of electrons and protons?

[pi]

Are non - metallic ions considered minerals?

Be careful with the use of the word 'mineral'. I wouldn't use it it in the context of VCE bio if there was an alternative. But in response to your question, fluoride ions are considered to be minerals, so thats an example of a non-metallic ion.

[WhoTookMyUsername]

What do you mean be careful? in what situations is an alternative (and what alternatives) more accurate?





Also
Is it more accurate (at VCE level) to write NADPH + H+ Instead of just NADPH to more accurately reflect the nature of the transfer of electrons and protons?

[pi]

What do you mean be careful? in what situations is an alternative (and what alternatives) more accurate?

Well, what I mean is that if you could specify the ions, that would be better than grouping them under 'mineral'. I'm pretty sure (need clarifying here though) that the term 'mineral' for context of ions is getting a bit out-dated too. Better to just specify the ions involved.

[shinny]

Is it more accurate (at VCE level) to write NADPH + H+ Instead of just NADPH to more accurately reflect the nature of the transfer of electrons and protons?

Under what context? If you're writing an equation, then sure. But why would VCAA ever ask you about this equation? If you're just referring to NADPH in a short answer question, then there's no reason to specify the H+ as well.

[WhoTookMyUsername]

Ok thanks, should i refer to


NAD+ or just NAD?

I did mean normally when referring to cellular respiration.

Out of curiousity, how are the H+ protons transfered to the ETC/ Oxygen?

[shinny]

Ok thanks, should i refer to


NAD+ or just NAD?

I did mean normally when referring to cellular respiration.

Out of curiousity, how are the H+ protons transfered to the ETC/ Oxygen?

It's NAD+ and NADH. Don't call it NAD. Regarding the second question, you don't need to know and it's quite a complicated process. On a basic level, the electron carriers dump off their electrons to the mitochondrial proteins to power active transport of H+ across the membrane. This process happens a few times making a big H+ gradient across this membrane. Finally this H+ gradient is cleared as the H+ is driven back to where it came from through a protein channel, ATP-synthase, which harnesses the energy from this osmotic drive to create ATP.

[HERculina]

so is it
NAD+ --> NADH
NADP+ --> NADPH
FAD+ --> FADH
why do they always write FAD2H instead of something like 2FADH
and what does the + indicate 

[shinny]

so is it
NAD+ --> NADH
NADP+ --> NADPH
FAD+ --> FADH
why do they always write FAD2H instead of something like 2FADH
and what does the + indicate 

FADH2 refers to having two hydrogens bound to FAD and this is the form that is found in the body. 2FADH would mean having 2 FADs with one hydrogen bound to each. The + refers to the positive charge on the molecule. It's not particularly important anyway. My experience is that people dwell far too long on the trivial details of cellular respiration and such. It's seriously not tested to much detail. My advice is to start trial exams and you'll see what they ask about it.

[HERculina]

oh ok thanks for that shinny
just wanted to know to make my mind at ease
 
i have another question -  with homoeostasis, different books give you different types of homoeostasis examples. Like i know that nelson (schools textbook) only looks at thyroxine, glucagon, insulin and growth hormones whereas other books provide a lot more examples such as those to do with stomata regulation. Will i be at a disadvantage?

[shinny]

oh ok thanks for that shinny
just wanted to know to make my mind at ease
 
i have another question -  with homoeostasis, different books give you different types of homoeostasis examples. Like i know that nelson (schools textbook) only looks at thyroxine, glucagon, insulin and growth hormones whereas other books provide a lot more examples such as those to do with stomata regulation. Will i be at a disadvantage?

You only need to understand the principles behind each. Specific examples aren't required. However, it is an advantage to vaguely know the common ones beforehand (e.g. blood sugar regulation) to save time in the exam. With enough practice exams, you'll learn them anyhow. You shouldn't need to make a conscious effort to learn any specific examples.