BCH 201 Assignment Questions and Answers

1.DISCUSS ON THE EFFECTS OF PH ON THE CELLULAR ACTIVITIES
– ENZYME FUNCTION
– ONIZATION OF MOLECULES
– MEMEBRANE POTENTIAL
– OXYGEN TRANSPORT
– CELLULAR METABOLISM
– CELLULAR SIGNALLING

2.DISCUSS THE CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT ON
– RESPIRATORY ACIDOSES
– METABOLIC ACIDOSES
– RESPIRATORY ALKALOSES METABOLIC ALKALOSES

3.GIVE 5 IMPORTANCE OF PROTEIN IN THE BODY

4.GIVE THE STRUCTURE AND TWENTY AMINO ACIDS YOU KNOW.

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BCH 201 Assignment Answers

1. Effects of pH on Cellular Activities

pH plays a critical role in maintaining cellular function by influencing enzymatic activity, ionization, membrane potential, oxygen transport, metabolism, and cell signaling.

1. Enzyme Function

• Enzymes have an optimal pH at which they function best.
• Changes in pH alter the ionization of amino acid residues in the active site, affecting enzyme-substrate binding.
• Extreme pH values can lead to enzyme denaturation, causing a loss of function.

2. Ionization of Molecules

• pH affects the ionization state of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites.
• Proper ionization is essential for molecular interactions, solubility, and stability.

3. Membrane Potential

• pH influences the distribution of ions across the cell membrane, affecting the electrochemical gradient.
• Altered pH can disrupt ion channels, affecting nerve impulses and muscle contractions.

4. Oxygen Transport

• Hemoglobin’s affinity for oxygen is pH-dependent (Bohr effect).
• At low pH (acidic conditions), oxygen dissociation from hemoglobin increases, enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues.
• Alkaline pH reduces oxygen release, leading to impaired cellular respiration.

5. Cellular Metabolism

• Enzymatic reactions in metabolic pathways are pH-sensitive.
• Glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation rely on optimal pH for efficiency.
• pH imbalance can lead to metabolic disorders such as acidosis or alkalosis.

6. Cellular Signaling

• pH regulates signal transduction pathways.
• Protonation states of signaling molecules affect receptor activation and intracellular communication.
• Disruptions in pH balance impact processes like apoptosis, immune responses, and hormone action.

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2. Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Acid-Base Disorders

1. Respiratory Acidosis

Causes:

• Hypoventilation (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma)
• Respiratory muscle failure
• Airway obstruction

Symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Headache
• Fatigue

Treatment:

• Oxygen therapy
• Mechanical ventilation
• Bronchodilators (for airway obstruction)

2. Metabolic Acidosis

Causes:

• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Renal failure
• Lactic acidosis
• Diarrhea (loss of bicarbonate)

Symptoms:

• Rapid breathing (Kussmaul respiration)
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion

Treatment:

• Sodium bicarbonate administration
• Insulin therapy (for diabetic ketoacidosis)
• Dialysis (for kidney failure)

3. Respiratory Alkalosis

Causes:

• Hyperventilation (due to anxiety, fever, or high altitude)
• Sepsis
• Pain or stress-induced rapid breathing

Symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Tingling in fingers and toes
• Muscle cramps
• Altered mental state

Treatment:

• Breathing into a paper bag (to increase CO₂ levels)
• Treating underlying cause (e.g., anxiety, infections)

4. Metabolic Alkalosis

Causes:

• Vomiting (loss of stomach acid)
• Diuretic use
• Excessive bicarbonate intake

Symptoms:

• Weakness
• Muscle twitching
• Confusion
• Slow breathing

Treatment:

• Electrolyte replacement (potassium, chloride)
• IV saline solution
• Addressing underlying cause (e.g., stopping diuretics)

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3. Five Importance of Proteins in the Body

1. Structural Role: Proteins like collagen and keratin provide strength to tissues, skin, hair, and nails.
2. Enzymatic Function: Proteins act as biological catalysts (e.g., amylase, pepsin) to speed up chemical reactions.
3. Transport Function: Hemoglobin transports oxygen; albumin carries hormones and drugs in the blood.
4. Immune System Support: Antibodies (immunoglobulins) help fight infections.
5. Hormonal Role: Some hormones (e.g., insulin, glucagon) are proteins that regulate metabolism.

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4. Structure and 20 Amino Acids

General Structure of an Amino Acid

An amino acid consists of:

• Amino group (-NH₂)
• Carboxyl group (-COOH)
• Hydrogen atom (H)
• Side chain (R-group, which varies for each amino acid)

Twenty Amino Acids:

1. Alanine (Ala)
2. Arginine (Arg)
3. Asparagine (Asn)
4. Aspartic acid (Asp)
5. Cysteine (Cys)
6. Glutamine (Gln)
7. Glutamic acid (Glu)
8. Glycine (Gly)
9. Histidine (His)
10. Isoleucine (Ile)
11. Leucine (Leu)
12. Lysine (Lys)
13. Methionine (Met)
14. Phenylalanine (Phe)
15. Proline (Pro)
16. Serine (Ser)
17. Threonine (Thr)
18. Tryptophan (Trp)
19. Tyrosine (Tyr)
20. Valine (Val)