BIOCHEMISTRY Question Papers (Supple, 2007 Nov, RR)

SET :1
1. (a) Discuss the structure of dextran polymer.
(b) What is the composition of lignin polymer? [8+8]

2. Illustrate the branching points of glycogen and starch polysaccharides. Explain the salient features of these polymers. [16]

3. Write the structure and functions of the following:
(a) Palmitic acid
(b) Arachidonic acid
(c) Linoleic acid
(d) α-linolenic acid [4x4]

4. Write about the structures of any five aminoacids and add a note on the properties on aminoacids. [5+11]

5. Describe the pathways in the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids. [16]

6. Describe the pathways involved in:
(a) Glycogenesis
(b) Glycogenolysis [8+8]

7. Is CO2 uptake and O2 production directly proportional in photosynthesis? [16]

8. What is the primary source of energy for life on earth? Define noncyclic photophosphorylation system in plants. [3+13]


SET :2

1. (a) Discuss the structure of dextran polymer.
(b) What is the composition of lignin polymer? [8+8]

2. Explain the salient features of glycoproteins. Name the common sugar residues associated with glycoproteins High the functions of glycoproteins with examples [4+12]

3. Describe the regulatory steps in the biosynthesis of
(a) Cholesterol
(b) Fatty acids [8+8]

4. Describe the biosynthesis of any three essential aminoacids and add a note on their importance. [10+6]

5. Describe the pathways in the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids. [16]

6. Schematically trace the pathways involved in the synthesis of glucose from
(a) Glycerol
(b) Aspartate [8+8]

7. How does Chlorophyll absorb light energy and pass it on to the energy-requiring reactions of Photosynthesis? [16]

8. How did the appearance of the first photosynthetic microorganisms (blue-green algae) change the earth’s atmosphere? [16]


SET :3

1. (a) Name four monosaccharides and their natural occurance in nature.
(b) Write their chemical structures.
(c) Discuss their importance in nature. [4+4+8]

2. Compare and contrast the structural and functional characteristics of
(a) Cellulose
(b) Glycogen [8+8]

3. (a) Write notes on saturated fatty acids.
(b) Describe peroxisomal beta oxidation. [8+8]

4. How bacteria, fungi and plant fix up nitrogen to meet their needs. [16]

5. Discuss the pathways for the synthesis of aromatic amino acids? Also comment on the regulation of the pathways. [9+7]

6. Describe the alternative pathway of glucose oxidation (pentose phosphate) in detail. [16]

7. Why does an organism utilize photosynthesis? Give a brief description on plant photosynthesis. [5+11]

8. Write a note on the PSI in plants. [16]


SET :4

1. (a) What is a disaccharide ?
(b) Give two examples with structure?
(c) Discuss the role of any two disaccharides is nutritional metabolism? [3+4+9]

2. Write briefly on
(a) Dextrans
(b) Glycosaminglycans
(c) Glycosidic bond [5+5+6]

3. Write the structure and functions of the following:
(a) Palmitic acid
(b) Arachidonic acid
(c) Linoleic acid
(d) α-linolenic acid [4x4]

4. What is a peptide linkage? Describe how aminoacid sequence determines primary structure of proteins. [3+13]

5. Describe the pathways in the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids. [16]

6. Describe the pathways involved in:
(a) Glycogenesis
(b) Glycogenolysis [8+8]

7. Where are the pigments of photo systems located in plants and bacteria? Write their role. [4+12]

8. Plants have been said to face a dilemma of either “thirst or starvation”. Explain what this dilemma refers to. What leaf structures regulate the balance between thirst and starvation? What ratio is used to compare plants with regards to their efficiency of water use? [4+8+4]