I need some help on these question

[2001ChevyZ71]

And before you ask, this is not due for homework, these are review questions to help me with my bio test. I have over 15 pages of typed questions, but these are giving me trouble.Thanks


7. Explain how electron configurations influence the chemical behavior of an atom

8. Write the equation for the dissociation of water, and explain what is actually transferred from one molecule to another

10. Explain the basis for the pH scale



11. Explain how acids or bases indirectly or directly affect the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution



12. Using the bicarbonate buffer system as an example, explain how buffers work


6. Describe the unique properties, building block molecules, and biological importance, of the three important groups of lipids; fats, phospholipids, and steroids

1. List and recognize the four major components of an amino acid, and explain how amino acids may be grouped according to the physical and chemical properties of the side chains

2. List the major components of a nucleotide, and describe how these monomers are linked together to form a nucleic acid

[JackBean]

Pretty easy, isn't it?

7. Explain how electron configurations influence the chemical behavior of an atom

Well, that shows the basic chemical behaviour of each atom. If you know the configuration, you might pretty much guess how will it react.

8. Write the equation for the dissociation of water, and explain what is actually transferred from one molecule to another

Is that really so hard? 2 H2O <=> H3O+ + OH-
so, what is transferred? Hydrogen cation AKA proton.

10. Explain the basis for the pH scale

Not much sure, what you mean by this. Basically, you have some dissociation equation and constant (as above) and from this by minus log you get the pH...

11. Explain how acids or bases indirectly or directly affect the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution

really? What's the definition of acids and of basis by Arrhenius?

12. Using the bicarbonate buffer system as an example, explain how buffers work

OK, this might not be so hard (I'm not saying it is!). So, basically, you have HCO3- and either H2CO3 or (CO3)2- (depending on pH of solution). So, because it's derived from weak acid, it will react with added protons from acid or release others if taken away by base.

6. Describe the unique properties, building block molecules, and biological importance, of the three important groups of lipids; fats, phospholipids, and steroids

Look into any biochemical book (Stryer of Voet) or Wiki
Fats - you probably mean triacylglycerols, thus based from three fatty acids and glycerol, hydrophobic, works as energy storage
phospholipids - so, two fatty acids, glycerol, phosphoric acid and some other component (i.e. ethanolamine, serine etc.), amphiphillic, makes biological membranes
steroids - well, made from steroids Rigid and mostly lipophillic, components of biological membranes, signaling molecules etc.

1. List and recognize the four major components of an amino acid, and explain how amino acids may be grouped according to the physical and chemical properties of the side chains

Look into any biochemical book (Stryer of Voet) or Wiki
OK? to be honest, I don't know, which four components you mean. Like cyrboxyl group, amino group, hydrogen and side chain?
Look into hydrophobic AAs, charged AAs (positive and negative), hydrophobic AAs, aromatic AAs, etc. (you can find different groups)

2. List the major components of a nucleotide, and describe how these monomers are linked together to form a nucleic acid

Look into any biochemical book (Stryer of Voet) or Wiki
nucleic basis, (deoxy)ribose, phosphate(s)
by 3'->5' diphosphoester linkage or something like that it's called