Option D.10 - Mind-Altering Drugs D.10.1 - Describe the effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), mescaline, psilocybin and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) This is a powerful hallucinogen, meaning that it causes perceptions that are not...
Option D.9 - Drug Design D.9.1 - Discuss the use of a compound library in drug design When drugs are designed, chemists do not start from scratch testing out new compounds at random - they take existing knowledge and build upon it. A compound library is a collection...
Option D.8 - Drug Action D.8.1 - Describe the importance of geometrical isomerism in drug action. Geometric isomers have different arrangements around a double bond and have two forms: cis- isomers are when the functional groups are found on the same side of the...
Option D.7 - Antivirals D.7.1 - State how viruses differ from bacteria Viruses act as parasites by inserting their DNA into a host cell, and using their machinery to reproduce. This is to the detriment of the cell. D.7.2 - Describe the different ways in which...
Option D.6 - Antibacterials D.6.1 - Outline the historical development of penicillins. Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that often act as pathogens to infect humans and cause disease and death. Antibacterials began to be developed in the late 1800s. However,...
Option D.5 - Stimulants D.5.1 - List the physiological effects of stimulants Stimulants reduce fatigue and make the user more alert by stimulating the central nervous system. They prevent drowsiness and can improve concentration. Increase heart rate, blood...
Option D.4 - Depressants D.4.1 - Describe the effects of depressants. Low Doses Usually little or no effect Some tranquilising effect Moderate Doses Sedation (soothing, reduction of anxiety) Calmness Very relaxed muscles High Doses Induces sleep Slurred speech Altered...
Option D.3 - Analgesics D.3.1 - Describe and explain the different ways that analgesics prevent pain The pain receptors in the body are essential for triggering a response that protects it from damage. It is part of our body’s defence system. They also send messages...
Option B.9 - Respiration B.9.1 - Compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration of glucose in terms of oxidation/reduction and energy released The human body needs a constant supply of energy to allow the necessary chemical reactions of life to take place. Through...
Option D.2 - Antacids D.2.1 - State and explain how excess acidity in the stomach can be reduced by the use of different bases The human stomach has a pH of approximately 1.5 to allow for the effective functioning of the enzyme pepsin. The gastric juices secreted by...
Option D.1 - Pharmaceutical Products D.1.1 - List the effects of drugs and medicines Drugs and medicines are chemicals that have the ability to alter the functioning of the body, including: Incoming sensory sensation Mood or emotions Physiological state...
Option B.8 - Nucleic Acids B.8.1 - Describe the structure of nucleotides and their condensation polymers (nucleic acids or polynucleotides) Phosphate Group A phosphate group (PO43-) Sugar The five-carbon sugar is bound to the phosphate group. In DNA molecules,...
Option B.7 - Enzymes B.7.1 - Describe the characteristics of biological catalysts (enzymes) Enzymes are globular proteins that have a specific structure that allows them to catalyse a particular reaction. The shape of the active site on the molecule is crucial for...
Option B.6 - Hormones B.6.1 - Outline the production and function of hormones in the body Hormones are chemical messengers in the body, used to regulate various functions. They are produced in the endocrine glands, which secrete hormones into the blood. The hormones...
Option B.5 - Micronutrients and Macronutrients B.5.1 - Outline the difference between micronutrients and macronutrients Micronutrients These are substances that are only required in very small amounts. They usually form co-factors of enzymes. Examples include vitamins...
Option B.4 - Lipids B.4.1 - Compare the composition of the three types of lipids found in the human body Triglycerides These are formed from the condensation reaction between three fatty acids and a three-carbon glycerol molecule. Fatty acids have a long carbon chains...
Option B.3 - Carbohydrates B.3.1 - Describe the structural features of monosaccharides Monosaccharides have a general formula of CH2O. They have multiple alcohol groups (-OH) as well as a carbonyl group (-C=O). Since they are polar molecules, they are soluble in...
Option B.2 - Proteins B.2.1 - Draw the general formula of 2-amino acids The R group varies between each amino acid. B.2.2 - Describe the characteristic properties of 2-amino acids All amino acids have the same general structure. They have an amino (NH2) group, and a...
Option B.1 - Energy B.1.1 - Calculate the energy value of a food from enthalpy of combustion data Metabolism is the sum of the reactions taking place inside every living cell. Since all chemical reactions require energy, the food we eat needs to provide energy for our...