a) What is the pl value of this amino acid? Show clearly how you arrive at the answer.
(6)
b) A buffer solution contains 0.25 M NH3 (Kb=1.8 xl0- 5 ) and 0.40 M NH4 CI. Calculate the pH of
this solution.
(3)
c) Calculate the pH of a solution 0.75 M lactic acid (Ka= 1.4 xl0- 4) and 0.25 M sodium lactate. (3)
QUESTION 3
[17]
a) The genetic code is the set of rules defining how the four-letter code of DNA is translated into
amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Discuss THREE {3) characteristics of
the genetic code
(6)
b) Describe the mode of action of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs)
(3)
c) Briefly discuss the principles of metabolic pathways
(8)
QUESTION 4
[15]
a) Anaplerosis is the act of replenishing TCA cycle intermediates that have been extracted
for biosynthesis. Describe the anapleurotic reaction that aids is the formation of oxaloacetate
from pyruvate.
(5)
b) Oxidative phosphorylation is a process involving a flow of electrons through the electron
transport chain, a series of proteins and electron carriers within the mitochondrial
membrane. Briefly describe this process.
(6)
c) Using structural formulas, write the balanced chemical equation for the reactions where
FADH2is produced in the Kreb cycle.
(4)
3