Monday 2 March 2015

Option B9: Respiration

B.9.1 Compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration of glucose in terms of oxidation/reduction and energy released

B.9.2 Outline the role of copper ions in electron transport and iron ions in oxygen transport

Option B8: Nucleic acids

B.8.1 Describe the structure of nucleotides and their condensation polymers (nucleic acids or polynucleotides)

B.8.2 Distinguish between the structures of DNA and RNA

B.8.3 Explain the double helical structure of DNA

B.8.4 Describe the role of DNA as the repository of genetic information, and explain its role in protein synthesis

B.8.5 Outline the steps involved in DNA profiling and state its use

Option B7: Enzymes

B.7.1 Describe the characteristics of biological catalysts (enzymes)

B.7.2 Compare inorganic catalysts and biological catalysts (enzymes)

B.7.3 Describe the relationship between substrate concentration and enzyme activity

B.7.4 Determine Vmax and the value of Michaelis constant (Km) by graphical means and explain its significance

B.7.5 Describe the mechanism of enzyme action, including enzyme substrate complex, active site and induced fit model

B.7.6 Compare competitive inhibition and non-competitive inhibition

B.7.7 State and explain the effects of heavy-metal ions, temperature changes and pH changes on enzyme activity

Option B (HL): Human biochemistry

Option B of the IB HL Chemistry syllabus is the Human biochemistry. IBO recommends to spend 22 hours on the whole topic.

This topic has an additional 3 sub-chapters: "Enzymes", "Nucleic acids" and "Respiration". Each are separated with numerical values in order of mentioned.

These are all HL option syllabus statements, it is recommended to bring a Casio Graphical Calculator instead of Texas.

Option B6: Hormones

B.6.1 Outline the production and function of hormones in the body

B.6.2 Compare the structures of cholesterol and the sex hormones

B.6.3 Describe the mode of action of oral contraceptives

B.6.4 Outline the use and abuse of steroids

Option B5: Micronutrients and macronutrients

B.5.1 Outline the difference between micronutrients and macronutrients

B.5.2 Compare the stuctures of retinol (vitamin A), calciferol (vitamin D) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C)

B.5.3 Deduce whether a vitamin is water- or fat- soluble from its structure

B.5.4 Discuss the causes and effects of nutrients deficiencies in different countries and suggest solutions

Option B4: Lipids

B.4.1 Compare the composition of the three types of lipids found in the human body

B.4.2 Outline the difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol and outline its importance

B.4.3 Describe the difference in structure between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids

B.4.4 Compare the structures of the two essential fatty acids linoleic (omega-6 fatty acid) and linolenic (omega-3 fatty acid) and state their importance

B.4.5 Define the term iodine number and calculate the number of C=C double bonds in an unsaturated fat/oil using addition reactions

B.4.6 Describe the condensation of glycerol and three fatty acid molecules to make a triglyceride

B.4.7 Describe the enzyme-catalysed hydrolysis of triglycerides during digestion

B.4.8 Explain the higher energy value of fats as compared to carbohydrates

B.4.9 Describe the important roles of lipids in the body and the negative effects that they can have on health