VCAA Chemistry How are organic compounds analysed and used?
5 sample questions with marking guides and sample answers
Enzymes can act as biological catalysts because they
can be denatured.
lower the activation energy.
are sensitive to pH and temperature changes.
increase the equilibrium constant for the reaction.
Titration is a volumetric analysis method used to
measure the pH of an analyte.
determine the volume of a titrant.
calculate the concentration of an identified solution.
prepare a standard solution of known concentration and volume.
Compare the structure of -helix and -pleated sheets in the secondary structure of proteins.
Similarity:
Difference:
Significance:
Bioethanol is a renewable energy source made from biomasses such as starch and cellulosic materials. The two-step process for the conversion of starch and cellulose to bioethanol is shown.
| Process | Step 1 | Step 2 | Conversion to glucose | Production process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starch | Enzymatic hydrolysis (-amylase) of starch biomass to form glucose | Fermentation of glucose to form bioethanol (yeast) | Easier | Faster |
| Cellulose | Acid hydrolysis ( at 320 C and 25 MPa) of cellulose biomass to form glucose | Fermentation of glucose to form bioethanol (yeast) | Harder | Slower |
Identify why it is important to control the temperature during the fermentation process to produce bioethanol.
Explain why cellulose is harder to convert to glucose than starch.
After 48 hours of fermentation, a 15% w/v glucose solution produces of ethanol. Calculate the percentage yield of ethanol. Show your working. (to one decimal place)
Bioethanol can be synthesised from plants rich in starch. Amylose and amylopectin in the starch are converted to glucose, which then undergoes fermentation to produce ethanol.
(starch) (glucose) (bioethanol)
Explain the role of enzymes in converting the amylose and amylopectin in starch to glucose.
Describe the structure of amylose and amylopectin by completing the table.
| Amylose | Amylopectin | |
|---|---|---|
| Monomer | ||
| Glycosidic linkage | ||
| Chain structure | ||
| Shape |
Determine whether the fermentation of glucose to bioethanol is a redox reaction. Explain your reasoning.
Calculate the atom economy for the fermentation of glucose to bioethanol. Show your working.