Question

1. What chemical features that are common to all living beings distinguishes living from non-living? Provide specific examples for each feature.

2. Explain hydrophobic effect in terms of the laws of thermodynamics and what is required to generate such effect? How can you avoid hydrophobic effect?

3.“Amino acids used in making a polypeptide have an amino group and carboxyl group, and these groups can be present on any carbon atoms.” Is that a correct statement? Why so? What is the basis for classification of amino acids to non-polar (but not aromatic), polar, and two oppositely charged (at physiological pH) amino acids? Provide examples with their exact name, three letter and single letter codes.