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AQA GCSE Chemistry revision notes

Organic chemistry

Section 4.7
12 specification points

Notes and three levels of exam-style practice for each registered specification point in this section.

Checked against AQA 8462 section 4.7

Checked against AQA 8462 section 4.7. Review basis: the qualification registry sourced from the AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) specification; registry verification recorded 17 July 2026.

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4.7.1.1

Crude oil, hydrocarbons and alkanes

Notes
Evidence from your answers: none yet
Your confidence:

A self-report of how sure you feel. It does not measure mastery. Evidence from your answers reaches secure after the latest Tier 2/3 attempt is correct, with three correct distinct drills across at least two dates and two practice sources.

Explanation

  • Crude oil is a finite resource found in rocks. It formed from ancient biomass, mainly plankton, that was buried in mud.
  • Crude oil is a mixture containing many compounds; most are hydrocarbons, whose molecules contain carbon and hydrogen atoms only. Most crude-oil hydrocarbons are alkanes.
  • Their general formula is CnH2n+2\mathrm{C_nH_{2n+2}}, and the first four are methane, ethane, propane and butane.
  • To test an alkane formula, substitute its carbon count for nn and check the hydrogen count.
  • A common error is to call crude oil one compound rather than a mixture.
Worked example

Decide whether C5H12\mathrm{C_5H_{12}} is an alkane.

  1. 1.Use the alkane formula CnH2n+2\mathrm{C_nH_{2n+2}}.
  2. 2.For n=5n=5, the hydrogen number is 2(5)+2=122(5)+2=12.
  3. 3.The formula matches the general formula.

Answer: C5H12\mathrm{C_5H_{12}} is an alkane.

Common mistakes

  • Don't fall into the trap of calling crude oil a single compound instead of a mixture of many compounds.
  • Don't fall into the trap of using CnH2n\mathrm{C_nH_{2n}} for an alkane instead of CnH2n+2\mathrm{C_nH_{2n+2}}.

Exam tip

When asked to identify an alkane, substitute the carbon number into CnH2n+2\mathrm{C_nH_{2n+2}} and check every atom.

Tier 1 · Easy

ORIGINAL

A molecule has the formula C3H8\mathrm{C_3H_8}. State why it is a hydrocarbon and show that it fits the alkane general formula.

[2 marks]

Total for this question: 2

Tier 2 · Standard

ORIGINAL

An alkane molecule contains seven carbon atoms. Determine its molecular formula and explain how you obtained the hydrogen count.

[3 marks]

Total for this question: 3

Tier 3 · Hard

ORIGINAL

An alkane has relative molecular mass 5858. Using Ar(C)=12A_r(\mathrm{C})=12 and Ar(H)=1A_r(\mathrm{H})=1, determine its molecular formula and name it.

[4 marks]

Total for this question: 4

Your progress and exam materials
4.7.1.2

Fractional distillation and petrochemicals

Notes
Evidence from your answers: none yet
Your confidence:

A self-report of how sure you feel. It does not measure mastery. Evidence from your answers reaches secure after the latest Tier 2/3 attempt is correct, with three correct distinct drills across at least two dates and two practice sources.

Explanation

  • Fractional distillation separates crude oil into fractions; each fraction contains hydrocarbons with similar numbers of carbon atoms and similar boiling points. Crude oil is heated so that most of it vaporises.
  • The column is hot at the bottom and cooler towards the top, so vapours condense at different heights.
  • Large molecules with higher boiling points condense lower in the column; smaller molecules with lower boiling points rise further before condensing.
  • Fractions provide fuels and petrochemical feedstock for solvents, lubricants, polymers and detergents.
  • Fractional distillation separates molecules; it does not crack them.
A fractionating column with a temperature gradient and condensation outlets for different molecular sizes.
Worked example

Explain why a small hydrocarbon is collected higher in a fractionating column than a large hydrocarbon.

  1. 1.Small hydrocarbons have lower boiling points.
  2. 2.They remain as vapour further up the column as the temperature falls.
  3. 3.They condense higher up when the temperature becomes low enough.

Answer: Its lower boiling point makes it condense in the cooler, upper part of the column.

Common mistakes

  • Don't fall into the trap of saying fractions separate because they have different densities rather than different boiling points.
  • Don't fall into the trap of reversing the column, so small molecules are said to condense low down where it is hottest.

Exam tip

For an “explain fractional distillation” question, follow one vapour from evaporation to condensation at the level below its boiling point.

Tier 1 · Easy

ORIGINAL

What is meant by a fraction obtained from crude oil, and which physical property allows the fractions to be separated?

[2 marks]

Total for this question: 2

Tier 2 · Standard

ORIGINAL

Hydrocarbon A has a boiling point of 75C75\,^\circ\mathrm{C} and hydrocarbon B has a boiling point of 210C210\,^\circ\mathrm{C}. Explain which one condenses lower in a fractionating column.

[3 marks]

Total for this question: 3

Tier 3 · Hard

ORIGINAL

Describe how a heated sample of crude oil is separated in a fractionating column, then explain why the collected fractions are valuable even when they are not used directly as fuels.

[5 marks]

Total for this question: 5

4.7.1.3

Properties of hydrocarbons

Notes
Evidence from your answers: none yet
Your confidence:

A self-report of how sure you feel. It does not measure mastery. Evidence from your answers reaches secure after the latest Tier 2/3 attempt is correct, with three correct distinct drills across at least two dates and two practice sources.

Explanation

  • As hydrocarbon molecules become larger, their boiling points increase because the intermolecular forces between molecules become stronger. Increasing molecular size also increases viscosity and decreases flammability, influencing which fractions make convenient fuels.
  • Complete combustion releases energy and oxidises the carbon and hydrogen, producing carbon dioxide and water.
  • Balance combustion equations in the order carbon, hydrogen, then oxygen.
  • Do not confuse incomplete combustion products with the specified products of complete combustion.
  • In exam answers, connect each trend explicitly to increasing molecular size and distinguish complete combustion from incomplete combustion before choosing products.
Worked example

State the products when propane, C3H8\mathrm{C_3H_8}, burns completely and write the balanced equation.

  1. 1.Complete combustion forms carbon dioxide and water.
  2. 2.Balance carbon to give 3CO23\mathrm{CO_2} and hydrogen to give 4H2O4\mathrm{H_2O}.
  3. 3.Balance oxygen with 5O25\mathrm{O_2}.

Answer: C3H8+5O23CO2+4H2O\mathrm{C_3H_8+5O_2\rightarrow3CO_2+4H_2O}.

Common mistakes

  • Don't fall into the trap of stating that larger hydrocarbons are more flammable, when flammability decreases as molecular size increases.
  • Don't fall into the trap of writing carbon monoxide or carbon as a product when the question specifies complete combustion.

Exam tip

In a trend question, state the direction for all three properties: boiling point and viscosity increase, while flammability decreases.

Tier 1 · Easy

ORIGINAL

State how boiling point and viscosity change as the molecules in a homologous series of hydrocarbons become larger.

[2 marks]

Total for this question: 2

Tier 2 · Standard

ORIGINAL

Complete and balance the equation for the complete combustion of propane: C3H8+O2CO2+H2O\mathrm{C_3H_8 + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O}.

[2 marks]

Total for this question: 2

Tier 3 · Hard

ORIGINAL

Fuel P is C5H12\mathrm{C_5H_{12}} and fuel Q is C15H32\mathrm{C_{15}H_{32}}. Compare their boiling points, viscosities and flammabilities, and write a balanced equation for the complete combustion of Q.

[5 marks]

Total for this question: 5

4.7.1.4

Cracking and alkenes

Notes
Evidence from your answers: none yet
Your confidence:

A self-report of how sure you feel. It does not measure mastery. Evidence from your answers reaches secure after the latest Tier 2/3 attempt is correct, with three correct distinct drills across at least two dates and two practice sources.

Explanation

  • Cracking breaks long-chain hydrocarbons into smaller, more useful molecules because demand for short-chain fuels is high. In catalytic cracking, a hydrocarbon is vaporised and passed over a hot catalyst; in steam cracking, hydrocarbon vapour is mixed with steam and heated strongly.
  • Cracking produces a mixture that includes shorter alkanes and alkenes.
  • Equations must conserve the number of carbon and hydrogen atoms.
  • Alkenes decolourise bromine water from orange to colourless and are useful for polymers and other chemicals.
  • Heating alone does not identify an alkene.
Worked example

Balance the cracking equation C10H22C6H14+CxHy\mathrm{C_{10}H_{22}\rightarrow C_6H_{14}+C_xH_y} and identify the second product type.

  1. 1.Conserve carbon: x=106=4x=10-6=4.
  2. 2.Conserve hydrogen: y=2214=8y=22-14=8.
  3. 3.C4H8\mathrm{C_4H_8} fits CnH2n\mathrm{C_nH_{2n}}, so it is an alkene.

Answer: C10H22C6H14+C4H8\mathrm{C_{10}H_{22}\rightarrow C_6H_{14}+C_4H_8}; the second product is an alkene.

Common mistakes

  • Don't fall into the trap of describing fractional distillation as cracking, even though distillation only separates molecules.
  • Don't fall into the trap of giving orange to colourless as evidence for an alkane rather than for an alkene.

Exam tip

In a cracking equation, count carbon and hydrogen atoms on both sides before naming the alkene product.

Tier 1 · Easy

ORIGINAL

A colourless hydrocarbon rapidly turns orange bromine water colourless. What type of hydrocarbon is present?

[1 mark]

Total for this question: 1

Tier 2 · Standard

ORIGINAL

Complete the cracking equation C12H26C8H18+X\mathrm{C_{12}H_{26} \rightarrow C_8H_{18} + X} and identify the homologous series of X.

[3 marks]

Total for this question: 3

Tier 3 · Hard

ORIGINAL

A refinery converts C15H32\mathrm{C_{15}H_{32}} into C9H20\mathrm{C_9H_{20}} and one other product. Give the other product, describe catalytic cracking, and explain two reasons the process is useful.

[5 marks]

Total for this question: 5

4.7.2.1

Structure and formulae of alkenes (chemistry only)

Notes
Evidence from your answers: none yet
Your confidence:

A self-report of how sure you feel. It does not measure mastery. Evidence from your answers reaches secure after the latest Tier 2/3 attempt is correct, with three correct distinct drills across at least two dates and two practice sources.

Explanation

  • Alkenes are hydrocarbons containing a carbon-carbon double bond, C=C; this double bond makes them unsaturated.
  • Their homologous-series formula is CnH2n\mathrm{C_nH_{2n}}, so an alkene has two fewer hydrogen atoms than the alkane with the same carbon count.
  • The first four members are ethene, propene, butene and pentene, and each may be shown by a molecular or fully displayed structural formula.
  • When recognising an alkene, check both the double bond and the formula.
  • A common error is to apply the alkane formula CnH2n+2\mathrm{C_nH_{2n+2}}.
Worked example

Show that C4H8\mathrm{C_4H_8} can be an alkene and name the relevant member of the series.

  1. 1.Use CnH2n\mathrm{C_nH_{2n}}.
  2. 2.For n=4n=4, 2n=82n=8, so the formula matches.
  3. 3.The four-carbon alkene is butene.

Answer: C4H8\mathrm{C_4H_8} matches the alkene formula and is butene.

Common mistakes

  • Don't fall into the trap of using the alkane formula CnH2n+2\mathrm{C_nH_{2n+2}} for an alkene.
  • Don't fall into the trap of calling a molecule unsaturated without showing or identifying its carbon–carbon double bond.

Exam tip

For “recognise an alkene”, check both CnH2n\mathrm{C_nH_{2n}} and the displayed C=C bond.

Tier 1 · Easy

ORIGINAL

Use the general formula of the alkenes to give the molecular formula of pentene.

[1 mark]

Total for this question: 1

Tier 2 · Standard

ORIGINAL

A displayed molecule contains three carbon atoms, one C=C bond and six hydrogen atoms. Name the molecule and explain why it is unsaturated.

[2 marks]

Total for this question: 2

Tier 3 · Hard

ORIGINAL

An alkene has relative molecular mass 5656. Using Ar(C)=12A_r(\mathrm{C})=12 and Ar(H)=1A_r(\mathrm{H})=1, determine its formula and name, then give the formula of the alkane with the same number of carbon atoms.

[5 marks]

Total for this question: 5

4.7.2.2

Reactions of alkenes (chemistry only)

Notes
Evidence from your answers: none yet
Your confidence:

A self-report of how sure you feel. It does not measure mastery. Evidence from your answers reaches secure after the latest Tier 2/3 attempt is correct, with three correct distinct drills across at least two dates and two practice sources.

Explanation

  • Alkene reactions are governed by the C=C functional group: addition places atoms across the double bond and leaves a single carbon-carbon bond.
  • Hydrogen adds in the presence of a nickel catalyst to form an alkane; steam adds with a phosphoric acid catalyst to form an alcohol.
  • Chlorine, bromine and iodine add across C=C to form saturated dihalogeno compounds; bromine water changes from orange to colourless.
  • Alkenes combust like other hydrocarbons but often burn with smoky flames in air because combustion is incomplete.
  • Do not leave C=C in an addition product.
Bromine adds across an alkene carbon–carbon double bond to form a saturated product.
Worked example

Describe the product when ethene reacts with bromine.

  1. 1.Identify the C=C functional group in ethene.
  2. 2.Open the double bond to make C–C.
  3. 3.Attach one bromine atom to each carbon.

Answer: 1,2-dibromoethane forms and bromine is decolourised.

Common mistakes

  • Don't fall into the trap of leaving the C=C double bond in the displayed product after an addition reaction.
  • Don't fall into the trap of naming bromine-water decolourisation but giving the colour change as colourless to orange.

Exam tip

For an addition product, replace C=C by C–C and attach one incoming atom or group to each carbon.

Tier 1 · Easy

ORIGINAL

Ethene is shaken with bromine water. State the observed colour change and the type of reaction.

[2 marks]

Total for this question: 2

Tier 2 · Standard

ORIGINAL

Draw the fully displayed structural formula of the product when ethene reacts with hydrogen. Name the product and state the catalyst used.

[3 marks]

Total for this question: 3

Tier 3 · Hard

ORIGINAL

A hydrocarbon burns with a smoky flame and decolourises bromine water. Explain both observations, then describe how it can be converted into an alcohol and name the product when the hydrocarbon is ethene.

[6 marks]

Total for this question: 6

4.7.2.3

Alcohols (chemistry only)

Notes
Evidence from your answers: none yet
Your confidence:

A self-report of how sure you feel. It does not measure mastery. Evidence from your answers reaches secure after the latest Tier 2/3 attempt is correct, with three correct distinct drills across at least two dates and two practice sources.

Explanation

  • Alcohols contain the -OH functional group; the first four are methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol. They burn in air, react with sodium and are oxidised to carboxylic acids.
  • Their solubility in water decreases as the carbon chain becomes longer.
  • Ethanol is made by fermenting a sugar solution with yeast under warm conditions without oxygen; fermentation also produces carbon dioxide.
  • Alcohols are used as fuels and solvents.
  • Balanced equations are required for their combustion, but not for their other reactions in this specification.
Worked example

State the conditions needed to produce ethanol by fermentation of sugar solution.

  1. 1.Add yeast to the sugar solution.
  2. 2.Keep the mixture warm.
  3. 3.Exclude oxygen so fermentation occurs.

Answer: Yeast, warm conditions and no oxygen.

Common mistakes

  • Don't fall into the trap of saying fermentation needs oxygen, when yeast ferments sugar without oxygen.
  • Don't fall into the trap of assuming all four alcohols are equally soluble in water instead of recognising that solubility decreases with chain length.

Exam tip

For fermentation conditions, state yeast, a warm temperature and absence of oxygen.

Tier 1 · Easy

ORIGINAL

Name CH3CH2OH\mathrm{CH_3CH_2OH} and identify its functional group.

[2 marks]

Total for this question: 2

Tier 2 · Standard

ORIGINAL

A student wants to produce ethanol from glucose solution by fermentation. State the biological agent, two required conditions and the other product formed.

[4 marks]

Total for this question: 4

Tier 3 · Hard

ORIGINAL

Ethanol is first burned completely and a separate sample is oxidised. Write the balanced combustion equation, name the oxidation product and describe the role of the oxidising agent.

[5 marks]

Total for this question: 5

4.7.2.4

Carboxylic acids (chemistry only)

Notes
Evidence from your answers: none yet
Your confidence:

A self-report of how sure you feel. It does not measure mastery. Evidence from your answers reaches secure after the latest Tier 2/3 attempt is correct, with three correct distinct drills across at least two dates and two practice sources.

Explanation

  • Carboxylic acids contain the -COOH functional group; the first four are methanoic, ethanoic, propanoic and butanoic acid. They dissolve in water to form acidic solutions and react with carbonates to make a salt, water and carbon dioxide.
  • Higher tier: carboxylic acids are weak because they only partially ionise, so an equally concentrated strong acid has a lower pH.
  • A carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol to form an ester and water; ethanol with ethanoic acid forms ethyl ethanoate.
  • Recognise the -COOH group before naming the molecule.
  • A common error is to identify it as the -OH group of an alcohol.
Worked example

Predict the observation and products when ethanoic acid reacts with calcium carbonate.

  1. 1.Use the acid–carbonate reaction pattern.
  2. 2.The products are a salt, water and carbon dioxide.
  3. 3.Escaping carbon dioxide produces effervescence.

Answer: Fizzing occurs; calcium ethanoate, water and carbon dioxide form.

Common mistakes

  • Don't fall into the trap of identifying -COOH as the -OH functional group of an alcohol.
  • Don't fall into the trap of saying a weak acid is dilute rather than explaining that it only partially ionises in water (Higher tier).

Exam tip

For an acid–carbonate reaction, name all three product types and link effervescence to carbon dioxide.

Tier 1 · Easy

ORIGINAL

Name CH3COOH\mathrm{CH_3COOH} and state the functional group that identifies it as a carboxylic acid.

[2 marks]

Total for this question: 2

Tier 2 · Standard

ORIGINAL

Dilute ethanoic acid is added to calcium carbonate. Describe the observation and name all three types of product.

[4 marks]

Total for this question: 4

Tier 3 · Hard

ORIGINAL

Two colourless liquids are ethanol and ethanoic acid. Describe a carbonate test that distinguishes them, then name the organic product when the two liquids react together.

[5 marks]

Total for this question: 5

4.7.3.1

Addition polymerisation (chemistry only)

Notes
Evidence from your answers: none yet
Your confidence:

A self-report of how sure you feel. It does not measure mastery. Evidence from your answers reaches secure after the latest Tier 2/3 attempt is correct, with three correct distinct drills across at least two dates and two practice sources.

Explanation

  • In addition polymerisation, many alkene monomers join to form one long-chain polymer molecule. The monomer's C=C bond opens to form C-C bonds linking neighbouring repeating units; no small molecule is produced.
  • The repeating unit contains the same atoms as the monomer and is shown in brackets with continuation bonds and a subscript nn.
  • To recover the monomer from a repeating unit, place C=C between the two backbone carbons.
  • Do not leave a double bond in the addition polymer.
  • Questions may require drawing the repeating unit from a displayed monomer or reversing the process, so every side group must be preserved and bonds must pass through both brackets.
General addition polymerisation of a substituted alkene into a bracketed repeating unit.
Worked example

Write the repeating unit formed from propene, CH2=CHCH3\mathrm{CH_2{=}CHCH_3}.

  1. 1.Use the two double-bonded carbons as the backbone.
  2. 2.Change C=C to C–C and retain the CH3\mathrm{CH_3} side group.
  3. 3.Add brackets, continuation bonds and subscript nn.

Answer: [CH2CH(CH3)]n[\mathrm{-CH_2-CH(CH_3)-}]_n.

Common mistakes

  • Don't fall into the trap of keeping the C=C double bond inside the addition-polymer repeating unit.
  • Don't fall into the trap of omitting the continuation bonds through the brackets or moving a side group to the wrong backbone carbon.

Exam tip

Copy every atom from one monomer, change C=C to C–C, then add brackets, continuation bonds and nn.

Tier 1 · Easy

ORIGINAL

Name the monomer used to make poly(ethene) and state the type of polymerisation.

[2 marks]

Total for this question: 2

Tier 2 · Standard

ORIGINAL

Propene, CH2=CHCH3\mathrm{CH_2{=}CHCH_3}, forms a polymer. Write its repeating unit and explain what happens to the carbon-carbon double bond.

[3 marks]

Total for this question: 3

Tier 3 · Hard

ORIGINAL

A polymer has repeating unit [CH2CHCl]n[\mathrm{-CH_2-CHCl-}]_n. Deduce the monomer formula and explain why no other product forms during polymerisation.

[4 marks]

Total for this question: 4

4.7.3.2

Condensation polymerisation (chemistry only) (HT only)

Notes
Evidence from your answers: none yet
Your confidence:

A self-report of how sure you feel. It does not measure mastery. Evidence from your answers reaches secure after the latest Tier 2/3 attempt is correct, with three correct distinct drills across at least two dates and two practice sources.

Explanation

  • Higher tier: condensation polymerisation requires monomers with two functional groups, allowing each monomer to join at both ends of a growing chain.
  • When a link forms, a small molecule such as water is usually eliminated; the polymer therefore does not contain every atom from the monomers.
  • A diol and a dicarboxylic acid form a polyester because -OH groups react with -COOH groups to make ester links.
  • Read the repeating unit across the new links and preserve the remaining carbon chains.
  • A common error is to treat condensation as C=C addition.
Worked example

Higher tier: explain why a diol and a dicarboxylic acid can form a polyester.

  1. 1.Each monomer has two functional groups, so it can join at both ends.
  2. 2.-OH and -COOH groups react to form ester links.
  3. 3.Each link forms with elimination of a small molecule such as water.

Answer: Repeated condensation forms a polyester with ester links and releases water.

Common mistakes

  • Don't fall into the trap of describing condensation polymerisation as opening a C=C bond.
  • Don't fall into the trap of drawing monomers with only one functional group, so they cannot join at both ends to make a chain.

Exam tip

Higher tier: identify both functional groups, the new link and the small molecule eliminated.

Tier 1 · Easy

ORIGINAL

State two features required for condensation polymerisation and name a small molecule commonly released.

[3 marks]

Total for this question: 3

Tier 2 · Standard

ORIGINAL

Ethanediol reacts with butanedioic acid. Identify the two functional-group types, name the polymer class and state the small molecule eliminated.

[4 marks]

Total for this question: 4

Tier 3 · Hard

ORIGINAL

Use the monomers HOCH2CH2OH\mathrm{HO-CH_2-CH_2-OH} and HOOCCH2CH2COOH\mathrm{HOOC-CH_2-CH_2-COOH} to write one repeating unit of the polyester and explain how its links form.

[5 marks]

Total for this question: 5

4.7.3.3

Amino acids (chemistry only) (HT only)

Notes
Evidence from your answers: none yet
Your confidence:

A self-report of how sure you feel. It does not measure mastery. Evidence from your answers reaches secure after the latest Tier 2/3 attempt is correct, with three correct distinct drills across at least two dates and two practice sources.

Explanation

  • Higher tier: an amino acid contains two different functional groups in one molecule: an amino group, -NH2, and a carboxyl group, -COOH. Glycine is H2NCH2COOH.
  • Amino and carboxyl groups on different molecules undergo condensation to form peptide links. Each peptide link, -CONH-, forms with the loss of water, and repeated condensation produces a polypeptide.
  • Different amino acids can occur in the same chain, producing proteins.
  • Do not describe this as addition polymerisation because no C=C bond opens.
  • Questions may require drawing the product formed when amino acids join, so the -CONH- link and every atom in the water removed must be accounted for.
Worked example

Higher tier: three amino acids join into one unbranched chain. State the numbers of peptide links and water molecules formed.

  1. 1.Three molecules require two joining reactions to make one chain.
  2. 2.Each joining reaction forms one peptide link.
  3. 3.Each condensation also releases one water molecule.

Answer: Two peptide links and two water molecules.

Common mistakes

  • Don't fall into the trap of calling the -CONH- connection an ester link rather than a peptide link.
  • Don't fall into the trap of saying four amino acids form four peptide links; an unbranched chain of four has three links.

Exam tip

Higher tier: for nn amino acids joining into one chain, expect n1n-1 peptide links and n1n-1 water molecules.

Tier 1 · Easy

ORIGINAL

Identify the two functional groups in H2NCH2COOH\mathrm{H_2NCH_2COOH} and name this amino acid.

[3 marks]

Total for this question: 3

Tier 2 · Standard

ORIGINAL

Two glycine molecules condense. Write the structural formula of the product, identify the new link and state the other product.

[4 marks]

Total for this question: 4

Tier 3 · Hard

ORIGINAL

Four amino acid molecules join to make one unbranched polypeptide molecule. Determine the number of peptide links and water molecules formed, then explain how using different amino acids can change the polymer.

[5 marks]

Total for this question: 5

4.7.3.4

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and other naturally occurring polymers (chemistry only)

Notes
Evidence from your answers: none yet
Your confidence:

A self-report of how sure you feel. It does not measure mastery. Evidence from your answers reaches secure after the latest Tier 2/3 attempt is correct, with three correct distinct drills across at least two dates and two practice sources.

Explanation

  • DNA is a large molecule essential for life because it encodes genetic instructions for the development and functioning of organisms and viruses.
  • Most DNA consists of two polymer chains arranged as a double helix and built from four different monomers called nucleotides.
  • Proteins are polymers of amino acids, while starch and cellulose are polymers made from glucose monomers.
  • Match each natural polymer to its own monomer type.
  • A common error is to describe DNA as a protein or to say that amino acids are its monomers.
A simplified DNA double helix made from two nucleotide polymer chains.
Worked example

Match DNA, protein and starch to their monomer types.

  1. 1.DNA is built from four different nucleotides.
  2. 2.Proteins are built from amino acids.
  3. 3.Starch is built from glucose.

Answer: DNA–nucleotides; protein–amino acids; starch–glucose.

Common mistakes

  • Don't fall into the trap of calling DNA a protein or saying its monomers are amino acids.
  • Don't fall into the trap of saying starch and cellulose have different monomer types, when both are polymers of glucose.

Exam tip

In a matching question, keep the pairs distinct: DNA–nucleotides, proteins–amino acids, starch/cellulose–glucose.

Tier 1 · Easy

ORIGINAL

Name the monomer type from which DNA is made and state how many different monomers are used.

[2 marks]

Total for this question: 2

Tier 2 · Standard

ORIGINAL

Match each natural polymer to its monomer type: protein, starch, cellulose and DNA.

[4 marks]

Total for this question: 4

Tier 3 · Hard

ORIGINAL

A student claims that DNA, proteins and starch must share one monomer because all three occur naturally. Evaluate the claim using monomers and one structural feature of DNA.

[5 marks]

Total for this question: 5

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