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CHAPTER

10 BIOMOLECULES

Carbohydrates: Classification (aldoses and ketoses), monosaccahrides

Syllabus (glucose and fructose), D-L configuration oligosaccharides (sucrose,
lactose, maltose), polysaccharides (starch, cellulose, glycogen); Importance
of carbohydrates.
Proteins: Elementary idea of - amino acids, peptide bond, polypeptides, proteins, structure of proteins -
primary,secondary, tertiary structure and quaternary structures (qualitative idea only), denaturation of
proteins; enzymes, Hormones- elementary idea (excluding structure).
Vitamins: Classification and function.
Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA.

Carbohydrates, their Classifi-

cation and Importance
Topic-1 Concepts Covered  Classification of Carbohydrates, List of Topics
Monosaccharides - Glucose, its structure and Reactions,
Fructose with structure and importance of carbohydrates Topic-1: Carbohy-
drates, their Classifica-
tion and importance
 Page No. 264
Revision Notes
Topic-2 : Proteins,
Biomolecules: Biomolecules are the naturally Hormones,Vitamins
and Nucleic Acids
occurring organic compounds present as essential Page No. 273
constituents of living organism in different cells.
e.g., polysaccharides, proteins, etc.
(i) Monosaccharides:

Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates may be defined as
Monosaccharides include non-hydrolysable
optically active polyhydroxy aldehydes or ketones
or compounds which produce carbohydrates. They are soluble in water. Those
Scan to know
such units on hydrolysis. e.g., more about containing aldehydic group are called aldoses
this topic
cellulose, glycogen, starch, etc. while other containing a ketonic group are
Classification of carbohydrates: called ketoses. Some monosaccharides with
On the basis of the molecular example are given in the table as shown below:
Carbohydrates
size, carbohydrates have been
classified into following four types:
BIOMOLECULES 265
266 Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, CHEMISTRY, Class-XII

Key Words
Hydrolysis: It is a chemical reaction of the interaction of chemicals with water.
Monosaccharides: They are the simplest carbohydrates which cannot be hydrolysed to smaller carbohydrates.
Aldoses: It is a monosaccharide with carbon backbone chain with carbonyl group on the endmost carbon atom.
Ketoses: It is a monosaccharide containing one ketone group per molecule.
Starch: It is polymeric carbohydrate consisting of numerous glucose units joined by glycosidic bonds.

Class Molecular Formula Structural formula Example

Aldoses
Aldotriose C 3 H 6 O3 CH2OH.CHOH.CHO Glyceraldehyde

Aldotetrose C 4 H 8 O4 CH2OH.(CHOH)2.CHO Erythrose, Threose

Aldopentose C5H10O5 CH2OH.(CHOH)3 CHO Arabinose, Ribose, Xylose, Lyxose

Glucose, Mannose, Galactose,

Aldohexose C6H12O6 CH2OH.(CHOH)4CHO
Talose, Idose, allose, Altrose
Ketoses
Ketotriose C 3 H 6 O3 CH2OH.CO.CH2OH Dihydroxyacetone
Ketotetrose C 4 H 8 O4 CH2OHCO CHOH CH2OH Erythrulose

Ketopentose C5H10O5 CH2OH.CO(CHOH)2CH2OH Ribulose, Xylulose

Ketohexose C6H12O6 CH2OHCO(CHOH)3.CH2OH Fructose, Sorbose, Tagatose, etc.

(ii) Oligosaccharides: water, sweet in taste. They are collectively called

Carbohydrates that yield two to ten sugars. e.g., glucose, fructose, sucrose, etc. They are
monosaccharide units, on hydrolysis, are of two types:
called oligosaccharides. They are further (i) Reducing sugars: Those carbohydrates which
classified as disaccharides, trisaccharides, contain free aldehydic or ketonic Scan to know
group and reduce Fehling’s more about
tetrasaccharides, etc., depending upon the this topic
number of monosaccharides, they provide on solution and Tollen’s reagent are
hydrolysis. Amongst these the most common known as reducing sugars. e.g.,
are disaccharides. all monosaccharides, maltose.
Disaccharide: (ii) Non-reducing sugars: Those Classification of
Disaccharide also called double sugar, any carbohydrates which do not Carbohydrates
substance that is composed of two molecules have free aldehydic or ketonic
of simple sugars (monosaccharides) linked to group and do not reduce Fehling’s solution or
each other. Disaccharides are crystalline water- Tollen’s reagent are known as non-reducing
soluble compounds. sugars. e.g., sucrose.
Example: Sucrose, Lactose, Maltose. The two
monosaccharide units obtained on hydrolysis Key Diagram
of a disaccharide may be same or different.
For example, one molecule of sucrose on
hydrolysis gives one molecule of glucose and
one molecule of fructose whereas maltose gives
two molecules of only glucose.
(iii) Polysaccharides: Carbohydrates which yield
a large number of monosaccharide units on
hydrolysis are called polysaccharides. Some
common examples are starch, cellulose,
glycogen, gums, etc. Polysaccharides are not
sweet in taste, hence they are also called non-
sugars.
Sugar: In general, monosaccharides and Classification of Carbohydrates
oligosaccharides are crystalline solids, soluble in
 BIOMOLECULES 267
Glucose: Glucose occurs in nature in free as well as (ii) From starch: Commercially, glucose
in combined form. It is present in sweet fruits and is obtained by hydrolysis of starch by
honey. boiling it with dil. H2SO4 at 393 K under
 Methods of preparation of Glucose: pressure.
(i) From sucrose: +
(C6H10O5)n + nH2O H
→ nC6H12O6
H+
C12H22O11 + H2O → C6H12O6 + C6H12O6 393 K, 2-3 bar Glucose
Sucrose Glucose Fructose

 Structure of Glucose: It is a six carbon straight chain aldose which has one aldehydic group (–CHO), one

primary hydroxyl group (–CH2OH) and four secondary hydroxyl groups (–CHOH).
(a) Open chain structure:
Scan to know
more about
this topic

Chemical
properties of
Glucose

(b) Cyclic structure:

(c) Haworth structure:

 Reactions of Glucose:

(i) With HI:
CHO
—

(CHOH)4 HI
→ CH3 − CH 2 − CH 2 − CH 2 − CH 2 − CH3
∆
—

n -Hexane
CH2OH
Glucose
268 Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, CHEMISTRY, Class-XII

(ii) Reactions showing the presence of carbonyl group (> C = O):

(iii) Reactions showing the presence of five -OH groups:

(CH3CO)2O
Acetic anhydride

(iv) Reaction showing the presence of alcoholic (– OH) group:

CHO COOH COOH
—

(CHOH)4
Oxidation
(CHOH)4
Oxidation —
(CHOH)4
HNO3
—

—
—

CH2OH COOH CH2OH

Glucose Saccharic acid Gluconic acid
Fructose: It is a ketohexose obtained by hydrolysis of disaccharide.
 Structure of Fructose:

(a) Open chain structure:
CH2OH
—

C=O
—

HO—C—H
—

H—C—OH
—

H—C—OH
—

CH2OH

(b) Cyclic structure:

(c) Haworth structure:

 BIOMOLECULES 269
Distinction between Glucose (monosaccharide), Sucrose (disaccharide) and Starch (polysaccharide):
S. Test Glucose Sucrose Starch
No. (Monosaccharide) (Disaccharide) (Polysaccharide)

1. On heating with Fehling’s Red precipitate is obtained. No precipitate. No precipitate.

solution
2. On heating with Tollens’ Silver mirror is formed. No silver mirror is No silver mirror is
reagent (ammonical AgNO3) formed. formed.
3. On heating with phenyl Yellow coloured crystals No osazone is formed. No osazone is formed.
hydrazine of osazone are formed.
4. On heating with resorcinol No colour. Wine red colour. No colour.
and HCl
5. On adding NaOH solution No colour. Violet colour. No colour.
and 1-2 drops of cobalt
nitrate
6. On adding I 2 solution in No colour. No colour. Blue-violet colour.
aqueous solution
7. On heating in a dry test tube Melts into brown coloured Melts at 463 K, becomes Chars on heating
substance and smells of brown at 473 K, chars at strongly.
burnt sugar. Turns black high temperature.
on heating further.

Key Word
Tollen’s Reagent: It refers to the chemical reagent which is used in the detection of an aldehyde functional group,
an aromatic aldehyde functional group, or an alpha hydroxy ketone functional group in a given test substance.
Fehling’s solution: It is a deep blue alkaline solution which is used to identify the presence of aldehydes or
groups that contain any aldehyde functional group -CHO and in addition with Tollen’s reagent to differentiate
between reducing and non-reducing sugars.

Importance of Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are medicine.

our body’s main source of energy. They help to
fuel our brain, kidneys, heart muscles, and central
nervous system. For instance, fibre is a carbohydrate
that aids in digestion, helps us feel full, and keeps
blood cholesterol levels in check.
Carbohydrates are essential for life in both plants
and animals.
Carbohydrates form a major portion of our food.
Honey has been used for a long time as a instants
source of energy by’ Vaids’ in ayurvedic system of
Carbohydrates are used as storage molecules as
starch in plants and glycogen in animals.
Cell wall of bacteria in plants is made up of
polysaccharides(carbohydrates)-.We build furniture
from cellulose in form of wood and indeed clothes
also are made of cellulose in form of cotton fibre.
Carbohydrates are broken down by the body into
glucose – a type of sugar. Glucose is used as fuel by
your body’s cells, tissues, and organs and hence , it
is the main source of energy to the body.

SUBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS

Very Short Answer Type
Questions (1 mark each)
Q. 1. Which polymer is stored in the liver of animals?
 R
Ans. Glycogen is stored in liver of animals. In the liver,
glycogen can make up 5–6% of the organ’s fresh
weight, and the liver of an adult, weighing 1.5 kg,
can store roughly 100–120 grams of glycogen.
Q. 2. What is anomeric carbon? U Q. 5. Name the linkage connecting monosaccharide
Q. 3. What is the difference between the structure of
Glucose and Fructose? R
Ans. Glucose is an aldohexose while Fructose is an
ketohexose. Glucose forms pyranose ring structure
while fructose forms furan ring structure.
Q. 4. How do you explain the presence of all the six
carbon atoms in glucose in a straight chain?
 U [NCERT exemplar]
Ans. When glucose is heated for a prolonged time with
HI, it forms n-hexane, suggesting that all the six
carbon atoms are linked in a straight chain.
units in polysaccharides.  R [NCERT exemplar]

This question is for practice and its solution is available at the end of the chapter
270 Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, CHEMISTRY, Class-XII

Ans. The monosaccharide units in polysaccharides are

linked by glycosidic bonds. A glycosidic linkage
is when an oxide linkage is formed between two
monosaccharide units with the loss of a water
molecule.  [1]
Q. 6. Under what conditions glucose is converted to Q. 3. W
 rite the reactions showing the presence of
gluconic and saccharic acid? following in the open structure of glucose:
 Ap [NCERT exemplar]
(i) five –OH groups (ii) a carbonyl group
Ans. Glucose is converted to gluconic acid which is a six-
carbon carboxylic acid, on treatment with a mild  U [CBSE, Outside Delhi Set-3, 2020]
oxidizing agent like Br2 water. Glucose is converted Ans. (i) Presence of five –OH groups (with acetic
to saccharic acid, which is a dicarboxylic acid, on anhydride)
treatment with nitric acid. When glucose reacts with acetic anhydride, it
forms pentacetyl glucose. It shows the presence of
Short Answer Type five –OH groups in the open structure of glucose.
Questions-I (2 marks each)
(CH3CO)2O
Q. 1. 
Write the reactions showing the presence of
following in the open structure of glucose : Acetic anhydride
(i) a carbonyl group
[1]
(ii) Straight chain with six carbon atoms
 U [CBSE, Outside Delhi Set-1, 2020] (ii) Presence of a carbonyl group (with HCN)
Ans. (i) Reaction of glucose (a carbonyl group) When glucose reacts with HCN, it forms
CH 2OH CH 2OH glucose cyanohydrin. It shows the presence of
| | carbonyl group (>C=O) in the open structure
Br2 / H 2 O
(CHOH)4  → (CHOH)4 of glucose.
oxidation
| |
CHO COOH
Gluconic acid  [1]
(ii) Straight chain with six carbon atoms
CHO
|
HI
(CHOH)4 → CH3 − CH 2 − CH 2 − CH 2 − CH 2 − CH3
∆
n -hexane  [1]
|
CH 2OH Concept Applied

[1] Reactions of Glucose
 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2020] Q. 4. (i) What is an anomer ?
Q. 2. Write the reactions showing the presence of (ii) Structure of a disaccharide formed by glucose and
following in the open structure of glucose: fructose is given below. Identify anomeric carbon
(i) an aldehyde group atoms in monosaccharide units.
(ii) a primary alcohol fCH OH
2
 U [CBSE,Outside Delhi Set-2, 2020] e a
O O
H H H HOHC 2 H
Ans.  (i) An aldehyde group: On reduction with sodium d a b
OH e
amalgam and water, the aldehydic group is H O H HO
HO c b c f CH 2OH
reduced to primary alcohol. dH
H OH OH
 R
Q. 5. Define the following terms:
(i) Glycosidic linkage
 [1] (ii) Invert sugar R
(ii) A primary alcohol: (with nitric acid)
Q. 6. Account for the following:
On reaction with nitric acid, a primary alcohol
(a) There are 5 –OH groups in glucose.
group present in glucose is converted into
carboxylic acid (-COOH) group. (b) Glucose is a reducing sugar.
OR
What happens when D – glucose is treated with
the following reagents:
These questions are for practice and their solutions are available at the end of the chapter
 BIOMOLECULES 271
(a) Bromine water
Ans.(i)
CHO COOH
(b) HNO3
[CBSE SQP 2023]
Br2 water
Ans. (a) Acetylation of glucose with acetic anhydride (CHOH)4 (CHOH)4
gives glucose pentaacetate which confirms the
presence of five –OH groups. Since, it exists as a CH2OH CH2OH
 [1]
stable compound, five –OH groups should be at-
(ii) CHO CH N OH
tached to different carbon atoms.  1
NH2OH
(CHOH)4 (CHOH)4

CH2OH CH2OH
[1]
(iii)
CHO CHO O
(b) Glucose reduces Fehling’s reagent. Thus, it is con- Acetic anhydride
(CHOH)4 (CH O C CH3)4
sidered as reducing sugar.
CH2OH CH2 O C CH3

O 
 [1]
 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2019]

Q. 2. (i) G lucose reacts with acetic anhydride in presence

of pyridine to form pentaacetyl derivative of
1 glucose. What does this reaction indicate?.
OR (ii) How will you distinguish 1° and 2° hydroxyl
(a) groups in glucose? Explain with reaction. R
Ans. (i) Glucose on treatment with acetic anhydride
in presence of pyridine or a few drops of
conc. H2SO4. It forms penta-acetyl derivative
indicating the presence of 5-OH groups. Out
 1 of which, one –OH group is primary (1o)
(b) alcoholic and four (C2, C3, C4 and C5) –OH
groups are secondary (2o) alcoholic groups.

 1

Short Answer Type

Questions-II (3 marks each) [1½]
Q. 1. Write the reactions involved when D-glucose is (ii) Glucose (or gluconic acid) on oxidation with
treated with the following reagents: HNO3 gives saccharic acid (a dicarboxylic acid)
indicating that one of the primary (1o) alcoholic
(i) Br2 water
group is oxidized to –COOH group but secondary
(ii) H2N-OH (2o) hydroxyl groups undergo oxidation only in

drastic conditions. [1½]
(iii) (CH3CO)2O U [CBSE, Delhi Set-3, 2019]

CHO CH2OH COOH

Oxidation Oxidation
(CHOH)4 (CHOH)4 (CHOH)4
HNO3 HNO3
CH2OH COOH COOH
Glucose Gluconic acid Saccharic acid
(Monocarboxylic acid) (Dicarboxylic acid)
Q. 3. On the basis of any three chemical tests , explain the difference between glucose and fructose.

This question is for practice and its solution is available at the end of the chapter
 2

Glucose NH2 OH
(open chain form)
No oxime formation

–H2 O NH2 OH

272 Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, CHEMISTRY, Class-XII
CH=NOH
Ans. Sucrose is called invert sugar. The sugar obtained
H OH
from sugar beet is a colourless, crystalline and
sweet substance. It is very soluble in water and its OH H

aqueous solution is dextrorotatory having [α]D = H OH

+ 66.5°. On hydrolysis with dilute acids or enzyme H OH
invertase, cane sugar gives equimolar mixture of
D-(+)-glucose and D-(–)-fructose. CH2 OH
HCl Glucose oxime
C12H12O11 + H2O 
→ C6H12O6 + C6H12O6  [5]
Sucrose D-(+)-Glucose D-(–)-Fructose
[a]D = +66.5° [a]D = +52.5° [a]D = –92.4°
Q. 2. (i) Name any two reaction of glucose which cannot
So, sucrose is dextrorotatory but after hydrolysis
gives dextrorotatory glucose and laevorotatory be explained by its chain structure.
fructose. D-(–)-fructose has a greater specific (ii) What is the difference between reducing and
rotation than D-(+)-glucose. Therefore, the non-reducing sugars?
resultant solution upon hydrolysis is laevorotatory (iii) What are Polysaccharides?
in nature with specific rotation of (– 39.9°). Since
there is change in the sign of rotation from dextro Q. 3. On the basis of which evidences D-glucose was
before hydrolysis to laevo after hydrolysis, the assigned the following structure?
reaction is called inversion reaction and the mixture CHO
(glucose and fructose) is called invert sugar. |
(CHOH )4
Long Answer Type |
CH 2OH
 R
Questions (5 marks each)
Ans. This structure was assigned on the basis of the
Q. 1. How do you explain the absence of aldehyde following evidences:
group in the pentaacetate of D-glucose ? R (i) Molecular formula: C6H12O6 is molecular formula
Ans. D-glucose reacts with hydroxylamine (NH2OH) of glucose.
to form an oxime because of the presence of (ii) Straight chain structure:
aldehydic (−CHO) group or carbonyl carbon. (a) When aqueous solution of glucose is treated with
This happens as the cyclic structure of glucose sodium amalgam (Na/Hg) or sodium borohydride,
it is reduced to sorbitol (or glucitol) a hexahydric
forms an open chain structure in an aqueous
alcohol.
medium, which then reacts with NH2OH to give
an oxime.
Na/Hg
CHO CH=N OH
NH2OH
(CHOH)4 (CHOH)4
[1]
(b) Prolonged heating with hydroiodic acid and red
CH2OH CH2OH phosphorus at 100°C gives a mixture of n-hexane
(Glucose) Oxime and 2-iodohexane.
But pentaacetate of D-glucose does not react with
NH2OH. This is because pentaacetate does not
form an open chain structure.
CH=O CHO
O
HOH2 C OH
Pyridine
HO +5(CH3 CO)2 O (CH—O—C—CH3)4
H Acetylation
O
H OH
CH2 —O—C—CH3
H OH Glucose pentaacetate The formation of n-hexane suggests that all the six
CH2 OH carbon atoms in glucose are arranged in a straight
Glucose NH2 OH chain structure. [1]
(open chain form) (c) Presence of five –OH groups: On acetylation with
No oxime formation
acetic anhydride, glucose gives a pentaacetate. This
–H2 O NH2 OH confirms that glucose contains five –OH groups. We
know that the presence of two or more –OH groups
on the same carbon atom makes the molecules
CH=NOH unstable.
H OH
This question is for practice and its solution is available at the end of the chapter
OH H

H OH

H OH
 BIOMOLECULES 273
Since glucose is a stable compound, therefore, This suggests that glucose contains a carbonyl
the five –OH groups must be present on different (>C=O) group.
carbon atoms. [1]
On the basis of above observations, the following
(d) Presence of one primary alcoholic group: On open CH2OH chain structure for glucose can be
oxidation with conc. HNO3, both glucose and written as follows:
gluconic acid give the same dicarboxylic acid
and saccharic acid. The primary alcoholic group CHO

(–CH2OH) is always present at the end of the
( CHOH)4
carbon chain. [1]

(e) Presence of an aldehyde (–CHO) group: Glucose CH 2OH 
reacts with hydroxylamine, NH2OH to form oxime. [1]

Proteins, Nucleic Acids, Vitamins and Hormones

Topic-2 Concepts Covered  Amino acids- classification and types, Protein structure, Nucleic
Acids- DNA and RNA, Vitamins, Hormones and their functions

Revision Notes
Proteins: Proteins are complex polyamides formed equal number of amino and carboxyl groups are
from amino acids. They are essential for proper present, it is neutral. More number of amino than
growth and maintenance of body. They have carboxyl groups makes it basic and more carboxyl
O groups as compared to amino makes it acidic.
—
—

l Essential and Non-essential Amino Acids: The

many peptide ( — C — NH — ) bonds. amino acids which can be synthesised in the
Conjugated proteins: In this case, a protein part body are known as non-essential amino acids.
is linked to a non-protein part called prosthetic e.g., glycine, alanine, glutamine, etc. On the other
group which is mostly concerned with the special hand, those which cannot be synthesised in the
biological function of protein. body and must be obtained by diet are known as
Derived proteins: These are the proteins formed by essential amino acids.
the partial hydrolysis of simple conjugated proteins
such as proteases, peptones, peptides, etc.
Transcription: Process of synthesis of RNA. Mnemonics
Replication: Process by which a single DNA
molecule produces two identical copies of itself.
Concept: Basic amino acids
Native protein: Protein found in biological system Mnemonics: BaLy Likes His Art.
with a unique 3-dimensional structure and
Interpretations: Basic Amino Acids-Lysine, Histidine,
biological activity.
Arginine.
Gene: Sequence of bases or nucleotides in the DNA
molecule which regulates the synthesis of a specific Classification of Proteins: Proteins are classified as
protein. follows:
Scan to know
 Amino Acids: The compounds which contain (a) Based on molecular shape: more about
carboxylic acid (–COOH) group and an amino (i) Fibrous proteins: this topic
group (–NH2) are called amino acids. Amino acids They have thread like
form proteins. molecules which tend
 a-Amino Acids: Those amino acids in which —NH2 to lie side by side to
group and —COOH group are attached to same form fibres. e.g., keratin,
Classification of
carbon are called α-amino acids. These are obtained collagen, etc. Amino Acids
by hydrolysis of proteins. e.g., glycine. (ii) Globular proteins:
N-Terminal end: There is a free amino group at one They have molecules which are folded
end of molecule of amino acid which is known as into compact units that often approach
N-Terminal end. spheroidal shape. e.g., insulin, albumin,
C-Terminal end: There is a free carboxyl group at haemoglobin, etc.
the end of amino acid molecule which is known as (b) Based on structure and shape:
C-Terminal end. (i) Primary structure: Each polypeptide in a
Types of Amino Acids: protein has amino acids linked with each
Scan to know other in a specific sequence. This sequence
l Acidic, Basic and Neutral more about
Amino Acids: Amino acids this topic of amino acids is called as primary structure
are acidic, basic or neutral of proteins.
depending upon the relative (ii) Secondary structure: It refers to the shape
number of amino and carboxyl in which a long polypeptide chain exists.
groups in their molecule. If They are of two types:
Classification of
proteins
274 Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, CHEMISTRY, Class-XII

1. α-helix in which polypeptide chain (iii) Tertiary structure: It represents overall

forms intramolecular hydrogen bonds folding of polypeptide chains by H-bonds,
by twisting into a right handed helix disulphide linkages, van der Waals and
with the — NH group of each amino electrostatic form of attraction. e.g., Fibrous
acid residue hydrogen bonded to the and globular proteins.
>C = O of an adjacent turn of the helix. (iv) Quaternary structure: The spatial
e.g., keratin in hair, nails. arrangement of two or more polypeptide
2. β-pleated sheet has all peptide chains chains with respect to each other is known
stretched to nearly maximum extension as quaternary structure.
and then arranged side by side held
together with intermolecular hydrogen
bonding. e.g., silk.
Name and structure of some naturally occurring α-Amino Acids: (H2N — CH — COOH)

—
R
S. Amino acids Isoelectric One Three —R
No. point alphabet alphabet (Side chain)
(Hydrophobic) code code
Non-polar
1.
Glycine 5.97 G Gly —H
2. Alanine 6.02 A Ala —CH3
3. Valine* 5.97 V Val —CH(CH3)2
4. Leucine* 5.90 L Leu —CH2—CH(CH3)2
5. Isoleucine* 6.02 I Ile —CH(CH3)—CH2—CH3
6. Phenylalanine* 5.84 F Phe —CH2—Ph
7. Methionine* 5.06 M Met —CH2—CH2—S—CH3

8. Tryptophan* 5.88 W Trp

H2C — CH2
—

H2C CH—COOH
9. Proline 6.30 P Pro
—
—

+
N
—

Polar (Neutral)
10. 5.68 S Ser —CH2OH
Serine
11. Cysteine 5.02 C Cys —CH2—SH
O
—
—

12. Asparagine 5.41 N Asn

— CH2CNH2

O
—
—

13. Glutamine 5.70 Q Gln

— CH2 — CH2 — C — NH2

14. Threonine* 5.60 T Thr —CH(OH)—CH3

15. Tyrosine 5.67 Y Tyr

 BIOMOLECULES 275

Acidic
16.
Aspartic acid 2.98 D Asp —CH2—COOH
17. Glutamic acid 3.22 E Glu —CH2CH2COOH
Basic
18.
Lysine* 9.47 K Lys —CH2—(CH2)3—NH2
NH

—
—
19. Arginine* 10.76 R Arg
—CH2 — (CH2)2 — NH — C — NH 2

20. Histidine* 7.59 H His

* These are essential amino acids.

Mnemonics
Concept: Non polar amino acids
Mnemonics: PriVate PhIL Went For A TryM At Glyttery New Parlour.
Interpretations: Non-Polar Amino Acids-Proline, Valine, Phenylalanine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Alanine, Tryptophan,
Methionine, Glycine.
Different Proteins and their functions:
S. No. Type of Protein Example Function
1. Enzyme Trypsin, Pepsin As a catalyst in biochemical reactions.
2. Structural Collagen, Keratin Structural and protective action in teeth, nails and hairs.
3. Transport Haemoglobin Transport of oxygen from lungs by blood stream to different
tissues.
4. Motor Myosin, Actin For motion of muscles.
5. Hormone Insulin Regulate body metabolism.
Storage Ferritin, Casein Store nutrients.

Denaturation of Protein: When a protein in its
native form is subjected to change, like change
in temperature or pH, the hydrogen bonds are
disturbed. Due to this, globules unfold and helix
gets uncoiled and protein loses its biological activity.
It is called denaturation of protein. e.g., coagulation
of egg white on boiling, curdling of milk, etc.
Enzymes: Enzymes are biocatalysts, basically
proteins that catalyse biological reactions. They are
very specific in nature and catalyse only a particular
reaction for a particular substrate.
Many of the reactions in our body like digestion
of food, absorption of molecules, production of
energy occurs with the help of these biocatalysts
called enzymes.
They are generally named after the compound or
class of compounds upon which they work. For
example, the enzyme that catalyses hydrolysis of
maltose into glucose is named as maltase
Maltase
C12H22O11  → 2C6H16O6
Maltose Glucose
Sometimes enzymes are also named after the
reaction, where they are used. For example, the
enzymes which catalyse the oxidation of one
substrate with simultaneous reduction of another
substrate are named as oxidoreductase enzymes.
The ending of the name of an enzyme is -ase.
Other examples of enzymes:
Examples of specific enzymes
l Lipases – a group of enzymes that help digest
fats in the gut.
l Amylase – helps change starches into sugars.
l Maltase – also found in saliva; breaks the sugar
maltose into glucose. ...
l Trypsin – found in the small intestine, breaks
proteins down into amino acids.
Nucleic acid: The polymers of nucleotides help in
synthesis of protein and transfer genetic traits.
Nucleic acids are of two types:
(i) Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
(ii) Ribonucleic acid (RNA)
276 Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, CHEMISTRY, Class-XII

Constituents of nucleic acids: Pentose sugar, 5’

phosphoric acid and nitrogenous bases.
Nitrogen containing bases: 4’ 1’
 Pyrimidines: These are three bases derived
from pyrimidines. These are cytosine (C),
thymine (T) and uracil (U). In DNA, T is present 3’ 2’
but in RNA, U is present.
 Purines: There are two bases derived from Scan to know
purine. These are adenine (A) and guanine (G).  Nucleotide: When nucleoside
more about
is linked to phosphoric acid at this topic
 Nucleoside: A unit formed by the attachment
5’-position of sugar moiety, the
of a base to 1’-position of sugar is known as unit obtained is called nucleotide.
nucleoside.
Nucleic acids-
DNA and RNA
structure

Simple structure of nucleic acid chain:

Base Base Base
  
[
 Sugar  Phosphate Sugar  Phosphate n Sugar  ]
DNA: James Watson and Francis Crick gave double helix structure of DNA.
Nucleic acid (DNA)
hydrolysis
Nucleotide
hydrolysis
Phosphoric acid + Nucleoside
hydrolysis S
T
P
Sugar Purine base Pyrimidine base S G C S
P
(2-deoxy ribose) (Adenine + Guanine) (Cytosine + Thymine) S A T S
P P
RNA: (i) m-RNA (Messenger RNA) S T A
P
(ii) r-RNA (Ribosomal RNA)
S A T
(iii) t-RNA (Transfer RNA)
P
S C G S
P
S G C
S T A P
S
P
Nucleic acid (RNA) C G S
hydrolysis P
Nucleotide
S T A S
hydrolysis P
G C S
P P
S A T
Phosphoric acid Nucleoside P
S C G
hydrolysis P P
S
P
Sugar Purine base Pyrimidine base
(Ribose) (Adenine + Guanine) (Cytosine + Uracil)
Properties of Nucleic Acids: (ii) A molecule formed by the combination of one
(i) Nucleic acids are very important constituents pentose sugar unit, a purine or pyrimidine base
(polynucleotide) found in nucleus of cell which and a phosphate. Nucleotides combine among
help in biosynthesis of protein and act as themselves to form polynucleotide (nucleic
carriers for transfer of hereditary characters. acid).

(iii) A polynucleotide (DNA) which has a
thymine base but not a uracil base. It contains
deoxyribose sugar but not ribose sugar. It has
double helix structure.
(iv) A polynucleotide (RNA) which contains uracil
base and ribose sugar but thymine base and
deoxyribose sugar are absent. It has single
stranded structure.
Mnemonics
Concept: DNA base
Mnemonics: ATGC
Interpretations: Nitrogen Bases Present In
DNA = Adenine, Thymine, Guanine And Cytosine.
Concept: RNA Base
Mnemonics: Area Under The Growth Curve
Interpretations: Nitrogen Bases Present In
RNA = Adenine, Uracil, Guanine And Cytosine
Hormones and their functions: Hormones are
molecules that act as intercellular messengers.
These are produced by endocrine glands in the
Name of
S. No. Hormone secreted
Endocrine gland
1. Pituitary gland (i) Growth hormone
(ii) Other Hormones
2. Thyroid gland Thyroxine
3. Pancreas Insulin
4. Adrenaline (i) Hormone to keep salt
balance
(ii) Adrenaline
Vitamins:
 The term “Vitamine” was coined from the
word vital + amine since the earlier identified
compounds had amino groups. Later work
showed that most of them did not contain
amino groups, so the letter ‘e’ was dropped and
the term vitamin is used these days
 A vitamin is an organic molecule (or a set
of molecules closely related chemically, i.e.,
vitamers) that is an essential micronutrient
which an organism needs in small quantities
for the proper functioning of its metabolism.
 These vitamins perform specific biological
functions for normal maintenance of optimum
growth.
 Most of the vitamins cannot be synthesised in
our body but plants can synthesise almost all of
them, so they are considered as essential food
factors. However, the bacteria of the gut can
produce some of the vitamins required by us.
BIOMOLECULES 277
body and are poured directly in the blood stream
which transports them to the site of action.
In terms of chemical nature, some of these are
steroids, e.g., estrogens and androgens; some are
polypeptides for example insulin and endorphins
and some others are amino acid derivatives such as
epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Functions of hormones: They help to maintain the
balance of biological activities in the body.
Example-The role of insulin in keeping the blood
glucose level within the narrow limit is an example
of this function. Insulin is released in response to
the rapid rise in blood glucose level.
Growth hormones and sex hormones play role in
growth and development.
Testosterone is the major sex hormone produced
in males. It is responsible for development of
secondary male characteristics (deep voice, facial
hair, general physical constitution) and estradiol is
the main female sex hormone. It is responsible for
development of secondary female characteristics
and participates in the control of menstrual cycle.
Functions
Regulates normal growth of a person to regulate
functioning of
(a) Thyroid gland
(b) Adrenal gland
(c) Production of testosterone by testes and estrogen by
ovaries.
Controls body metabolism. Lack of thyroxine causes
Goitre. Sufficient iodine in diet prevents goitre.
Control carbohydrate metabolism. Lack of insulin
secretion causes Diabetes.
Maintains correct balance of salt-water in the blood.
 Vitamins are named as Vitamin A, B, C, D, etc.
Some of them are further named as sub-groups
e.g., B1, B2 , B6 , B12, etc. Excess of vitamins is
also harmful and vitamin pills should not be
taken without the advice of doctor.
 Vitamins are classified into two groups
depending upon their solubility in water or fat.
(i) Fat soluble vitamins: Vitamins which are
soluble in fat and oils but insoluble in water
are kept in this group. These are vitamins
A, D, E and K. They are stored in liver and
adipose (fat storing) tissues.
(ii) Water soluble vitamins: B group vitamins
and vitamin C are soluble in water so
they are grouped together. Water soluble
vitamins must be supplied regularly in diet
because they are readily excreted in urine
and cannot be stored (except vitamin B12)
in our body.
Some important Vitamins, their Sources
and their Deficiency Diseases
278 Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, CHEMISTRY, Class-XII

Vitamins

Vitamin What it does ? Where is it found ?

Vitamin A  Growth and development  Cantaloupe
 Immune function  Carrots
 Reproduction  Dairy products
 Red blood cell formation  Eggs
 Skin and bone formation  Fortified cereals
 Vision  Green leafy vegetables (e.g., spinach
and broccoli)
 Pumpkin
 Red peppers
 Sweet potatoes
Vitamin B6  Immune function  Chickpeas
 Nervous system function  Fruits (other than citrus)
 Protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabo-  Potatoes
lism  Salmon
 Red blood cell formation  Tuna
Vitamin B12  Conversion of food into energy  Dairy products
 Nervous system function  Eggs
 Red blood cell formation  Fortified cereals
 Meats
 Poultry
 Seafood (e.g., clams, trout, salmon had-
dock, tuna)
Vitamin C  Antioxidant  Broccoli
 Collagen and connective tissue forma-  Brussels sprouts
tion  Cantaloupe
 Immune function  Citrus fruits and juices (e.g., oranges
 Wound healing and grapefruit)
 Kiwifruit
 Peppers
 Strawberries
 Tomatoes and tomato juice
Vitamin D  Blood pressure regulation  Eggs
Nutrient of concern  Bone growth  Fish (e.g., herring, mackerel, salmon,
for must Americans  Calcium balance trout, and tuna)
 Hormone production  Fish liver oil
 Immune function  Fortified cereals
 Nervous system function  Fortified dairy products
 Fortified margarine
 Fortified orange juice
 Fortified soy beverages (soya milk)

SUBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS

Very Short Answer Type Q. 2. Which vitamin B group can be stored in our body?
Questions (1 mark each) Ans. Vitamin B12 can be stored in our body.
Q. 1. What is the function of enzymes? R Q. 3. Some enzymes are named after the reaction,
Ans. Enzymes are proteins that help speed up chemical where they are used. What name is given to the
reactions in our bodies. Enzymes are essential for class of enzymes which catalyse the oxidation of
digestion, liver function and much more. one substrate with simultaneous reduction of an-
other substrate?  R [NCERT Exemplar]
This question is for practice and its solution is available at the end of the chapter
 BIOMOLECULES 279
Q. 4. α-Helix is a secondary structure of proteins
Short Answer Type
formed by twisting of the polypeptide chain into
Questions-I (2 marks each)
right-handed screw-like structures. Which type of
Q. 1.(i) Glucose on reaction with acetic acid gives glucose
interactions is responsible for making the a-helix
pentaacetate. What does it suggest about the
structure stable?  R [NCERT Exemplar] structure of glucose ?
Ans. A stable α-Helix is formed as a right-handed screw (ii) Write difference between fibrous protein and
globular protein. Give two points. U+R
helix structure as the –NH group of each amino
acid residue hydrogen is bonded to the –C=O of Concept Applied

an adjacent turn of the helix. Reactions of Glucose and Classification of Pro-
Q. 5. Give examples of fat soluble vitamins. R teins (based on molecular shape).
Ans. (i) Glucose on reaction with acetic acid gives
Q. 6. Is nucleotide and nucleoside the same? What are
glucose pentaacetate which implies that 5 -OH
their roles? U groups are present in it.
Ans. The main difference between nucleotide and (ii)
nucleoside lies in their chemical composition. Fibrous protein Globular protein
Nucleotide consists of phosphate group, a sugar It contains linear thread like
It contains compact form of
and a nitrogenous base. Nucleoside consists of molecules which tend to lie
molecules which are folded
side by side to form fibres.
together.
sugar and a base without the phosphate group.
Example: keratin, collagen
Example: enzymes,
Nucleotides are the major causes of cancer and hormones
nucleosides are same as nucleotides only with the Q. 2. (i) What is the difference between a nucleoside
addition of phosphate groups. and nucleotide ?
(ii) Write one difference between a-helix and b-pleat-
ed sheet structures of protein. R
Q. 3. Differentiate between peptide linkage and glycosidic linkage. Give two points. R
Ans.
Peptide linkage Glycosidic linkage
Glycosidic linkage is formed between two
Peptide linkage is formed between two amino acids.
monosaccharides.
Hydrolysis of glycosidic linkage forms two
Hydrolysis of peptide linkage forms two amino acids.
monosaccharides.
It links carbon and nitrogen atoms. It links two carbon atoms through an oxygen atom.
It is found in polypeptides. It is found in polysaccharides.
It can be represented as –CONH–. It can be given as –C–O–C–.
 [2]
Q. 4. Define the following as related to proteins: Purines: There are two bases derived from purine.
(a) Primary Structure These are adenine (A) and guanine (G).
(b) Denaturation R In DNA, Purines present are Adenine(A) and
Ans. (a) Primary structure: Each polypeptide in a Guanine(G) and Pyrimidines present are Cytosine
protein molecule having amino acids which are (C) and Thymine(T) while in RNA, Purines are the
linked with each other in a specific sequence. [1] same while Pyrimidines present in RNA includes
Cytosine (C) and Uracil(U).
(b) Denaturation: When a protein is subjected to
physical change like change in temperature or Short Answer Type
chemical change like change in pH, protein loses
its biological activity.[1] Questions-II (3 marks each)
Q. 5. What are α Amino Acids ? Give examples. R Q.1. Differentiate between following:
Q. 6. What are Purines and Pyrimidines ? Name the (i) Amylose and Amylopectin
purines and Pyrimidines present in DNA and (ii) Globular protein and Fibrous protein
RNA nucleic Acids. R (iii) Nucleotide and Nucleoside
Ans. Pyrimidines: These are three bases derived from  R [CBSE, Delhi Set-1, 2020]
pyrimidines. These are cytosine (C), thymine (T)
and uracil (U). In DNA, T is present but in RNA, U
is present.
These questions are for practice and their solutions are available at the end of the chapter
 280 Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, CHEMISTRY, Class-XII

Ans. (i) Amylose and Amylopectin: Ans. (i) On hydrolysis of DNA, the products are
pentose sugar, phosphoric acid and bases. [1]
S.
Amylose Amylopectin (ii) When D-glucose is treated with bromine water
No.
D-gluconic acid is formed.
1. Amylose is a straight Amylopectin is a
chain polymer of branched chain polymer CHO COOH
D-glucose. of D-glucose. Br2 water
(CHOH)4   (CHOH)4
2.
They are linked by 1,
They are linked by a-1, CH2OH CH2OH
4- glycosidic linkage.
4 glycosidic and a–1, 6– D-glucose D-gluconic acid[1]
glycosidic linkage.
(iii) On denaturation secondary and tertiary
[1]
proteins get converted into primary proteins.
(ii) Globular and Fibrous protein:
Denaturation disrupts the normal alpha-helix
S.
Globular protein Fibrous protein and beta sheets in a protein and uncoils it into a
No.
random shape. [1]
1. Polypeptide chains Polypeptide chains run
are arranged as coils. parallel to each other. Q. 3. Define the following with a suitable example in
2. They have spherical They have thread like each:
shape. structure. (i) Oligosaccharides
3.
These are water These are insoluble in
(ii) Fibrous protein
soluble. water.

(iii) Vitamins R [CBSE, Delhi Set-3, 2019]
[1]
(iii) Nucleotide and Nucleoside: Q. 4. (a) 
What are the products of hydrolysis of
S. maltose?
Nucleotide Nucleoside
No.
(b) 
What type of bonding provides stability to
1. It consists of a It consists of a nitrogenous a-helix structure of protein ?
nitrogenous base, base covalently bonded

(c) 
Name the vitamin whose deficiency causes
sugar and one to three to a sugar without
phosphate groups. phosphate group. pernicious anaemia. [CBSE OD Set-II, 2019]
2. Example: 5’-uridine Example: Uridine Ans. (a) Glucose + Glucose [1]
monophosphate (b) Hydrogen bonding [1]
[1] (c) Vitamin –B12 [1]
Q. 2. (i) What are the hydrolysis products of DNA?  [CBSE Marking Scheme 2019]
(ii) What happens when D-glucose is treated with Q. 5. 
Define the following with an example of each:
Bromine water? (a) Polysaccharides

(iii) What is the effect of denaturation on the (b) Denatured protein
structure of proteins? (c) Essential amino acids
[CBSE Delhi/OD, 2018]
 Ap [CBSE, Delhi Set-3, 2020]

Ans.

Topper Answer, 2018

This question is for practice and its solution is available at the end of the chapter

Q. 6. (i) Write the structural difference between starch
and cellulose.
(ii) What type of linkage is present in nucleic
acids ?
(iii) Give one example each for fibrous protein and
globular protein.
 R [CBSE, Outside Delhi Set-1, 2, 3, 2016]
Ans. (i) Starch – Polymer of a – D – glucose units /
Polymer of a - glucose units.
Cellulose – Polymer of b-D - glucose units /
Polymer of b - glucose units.  [1]
(ii) Phosphodiester linkage  [1]
(iii) Fibrous protein – Keratin / myosin / collagen.
Globular protein – Haemoglobin / insulin.
 [½ + ½] [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016]
Q. 7. How are vitamins classified ? Name the vitamin
responsible for the coagulation of blood.
R [CBSE Comptt. Delhi 2015]
Concept Applied
Classification of Vitamins
Ans. Vitamins are classified into:
(i) Water soluble vitamins: Vitamins which are
soluble in water but insoluble in fat and oils. e.g.,
vitamin B and C.
(ii) Fat soluble vitamins: Vitamins are soluble in fat
and oils but insoluble in water. e.g., vitamin A, D, E
and K.
BIOMOLECULES 281
Vitamin K is responsible for coagulation of blood.
 [2 + 1]
Q. 8. (i) Deficiency of which vitamin causes night
blindness ?
(ii) Name the base that is found in nucleotide of
RNA only.
(iii) Glucose on reaction with HI gives n-hexane. What
does it suggest about the structure of glucose ?
 R+U
Q. 9. (i) A non-reducing disaccharide ‘A’ on hydrolysis
with dilute acid gives an equimolar mixture of
D–(+)–glucose and D-(-)-Fructose.
A+H2O  HCl
C6H12O6+C6H12O6
[a]D = +66.50 + 52.5° – 92.4°
Identify A. What is the mixture of D–(+)–glucose
and D-(-)-Fructose known as ? Name the linkage
that holds the two units in the disaccharide.
(ii) a-amino acids have relatively higher melting
points than the corresponding halo acids.
Explain. Ap + A
Ans. (i) A–Sucrose (C12H22O11) [½]
The mixture of D-(+)- glucose and D-(-)-Fructose is
known as invert sugar. [½]
The linkage which holds the two monosaccharide
units through oxygen atom is called glycosidic
linkage. [1]
 282 Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, CHEMISTRY, Class-XII
(ii) The amino acids exist as dipolar Zwitter ion. Due
to their dipolar salt like character, they have strong
R—CH—C—O –
dipole-dipole attractions. Thus, their melting
points are higher than the corresponding halo
acids which do not exist as Zwitter ions. [1]
Q. 10. (i) Why water soluble vitamins must be supplied
regularly in the diet? Give one example of it.
(ii) Differentiate between the following:
(a) Essential and non-essential amino acids.
(b) Fibrous and globular proteins.
 A + U [CBSE Comptt OD Set-1, 2, 3 2017]
Ans. (i) Because they are excreted in urine and cannot
be stored in body; Vitamin C/B1/ B6 ½+½
(ii) (a) Essential amino acids are those which cannot
be synthesized in the body and are supplied
through diet whereas non-essential amino
acids can be synthesized in the body. [1]
(b) In fibrous proteins, the polypeptide chains run
parallel and are held together by hydrogen or
disulphide bonds while in globular, polypeptide
chains coil around to give a spherical shape.[1]
 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2017]
Q 11. (i) What type of linkage is present in disaccharides?
(ii) Write one source and deficiency disease of
vitamin B12.
(iii) Write the difference between DNA and RNA.
R [CBSE Comptt. Delhi Set-1, 3 2017]
Long Answer Type
Questions (5 marks each)
Q. 1. (i) How do you explain the amphoteric behaviour
of amino acids ?
(ii) Classify the following into monosaccharides
and disaccharides: ribose, 2-deoxyribose,
maltose, galactose, fructose and lactose.
Ans. (i) In aqueous solution, the carboxyl group of an
amino acid can lose a proton and the amino
group can accept a proton to give a dipolar ion
known as zwitter ion.
O O
– This represents that each turn of the helix contains
R CH C O H R CH C O
+
:NH2 NH3
Zwitter ion
Therefore, in zwitter ion form, the amino acid can act
both as an acid and as a base. In the acidic medium,
COO– ion of the zwitter ion accepts a proton to
form the cation, and in the basic medium,+NH3 ion
loses a proton to form the anion, as shown below :
These questions are for practice and their solutions are available at the end of the chapter
O O O
|| H+ || H+ ||
R—CH—C—O –
R—CH—C—OH
| OH – | OH –
|
NH2 +
NH3 +
NH3
Thus, amino acids show amphoteric behaviour.[3]
(ii) Monosaccharides: Ribose and fructose.  [1]
Disaccharides: Maltose and lactose.[1]
Q. 2. Write the structures of fragments produced on
complete hydrolysis of DNA. How are they linked
in DNA molecule? Draw a diagram to show pairing
of nucleotide bases in double helix of DNA.  R
Q. 3. Explain the terms primary and secondary structure
of proteins. What is the difference between α-helix
and β-pleated sheet structure of proteins?
Ans. Primary structure: Proteins may have one or
more polypeptide chains. Each polypeptide chain
has a large number of a-amino acids linked to
one another in a specific sequence. The specific
sequence in which the various α-amino acids
present in a protein are linked to one another is
called its primary structure. Any change in this
primary structure, i.e., sequence of amino acids
creates a different protein.
The primary structure of a protein is usually
determined by its successive hydrolysis with either
enzymes or mineral acids into various products
having decreasing molecular mass.
Secondary structure: The secondary structure
gives the manner in which the polypeptide chains
are folded or arranged. Therefore, it gives the
shape or conformation of the protein molecule.
This arises from the plane geometry, of the peptide
bond and hydrogen bond between the >C = O
and N – H groups of different peptide bonds.
α-Helix structure: a-helix form is the most common
form in which a polypeptide chain forms all
possible types of hydrogen bonds by twisting into
a right handed screw (helix) with the -NH group of
each amino acid residue hydrogen bonded to -C =
O group of the adjacent turn of the helix.
(i) The a-helix structure is also known as 3.613 helix.
approximately 3.6 amino acids and a 13-member
ring is formed by hydrogen bonding. The helix
is held in its shape primarily by hydrogen bonds
between one amide group and carbonyl group
which is 3.6 amino acids units away.
 BIOMOLECULES 283
β-pleated sheet structure: In this conformation,
the polypeptide chains lie side by side in a zigzag
manner with alternate R groups on the same side
situated at fixed distances apart.
(ii) The two such neighbouring polypeptide chains
are held together by intermolecular H-bonds. A
number of such chains can be interbounded to
form a sheet.
(iii) These sheets are then stacked one above the
other like the pages of this book to form a three-
dimensional structure. This structure resembles
pleated folds of drapery and hence is also called
β-pleated sheet structure.

The a-Helix structure of proteins

b-Pleated sheet structure of proteins

OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS (1 mark each)

(C) (i) and (iii)

A Multiple Choice Questions (D) (iii) is anomer of (i) and (ii) U
Ans. Option (A) is correct.
Q. 1. Three cyclic structures of monosaccharides are Explanation: Cyclic structures of monosaccharides
given below which of these are anomers ? which differ in structure at carbon-1 are known as
anomers.
(i) (ii)
H H OHOHHOHO H H
H H OHOH H H OHOH
HOHO H O O HO
H HO H O
H O
H H OHOH H H OHOH
H H H H

CH2OH
CH2OH CH2OH
CH2OH
(iii)    (I)    (II)
Structure (I) and (II) differ in structure at C-1.
Concept Applied

Cyclic structure of Glucose
Q. 2. Glucose and fructose are:
(A)  isomers of each other.
(B) Homologous of each other.
(A) (i) and (ii) (C) anomers of each other.
(D) enantiomers of each other. Ap
(B) (ii) and (iii)

This question is for practice and its solution is available at the end of the chapter
284 Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, CHEMISTRY, Class-XII

Q. 3. What does (i), (ii) and (iii) represent: Q. 8. Mark the odd one out:
(A) Proline (B) Lysine
(C) Valine (D) Alanine
Q. 9. Name the following structures of proteins:
(A) Primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary
(B) Quaternary, primary, secondary, tertiary
(C) Primary, quaternary, tertiary, secondary
(D) Secondary, quaternary, tertiary, primary

(i) (ii)

(iii) (iv)

 R
(A) gluconic acid, glucose and saccharic acid
(B) glucose, saccharic acid and gluconic acid Ans. Option (C) is correct.
(C) glucose, gluconic acid and saccharic acid Explanation: The structure is -primary, quaternary,
(D) gluconic acid , saccharic acid and glucose U tertiary and secondary.
Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 10. Zwitter ion is represented as: R
Explanation: Based on functional group and their
position, gluconic acid , saccharic acid and glucose
is the correct answer. (A) (B)
Q. 4. The general formula for carbohydrate is:
(A) Cx-1 (H2O)2y (B) Cx (H2O)x
(C) C2x (H2O)y (D) Cx+1 (H2O)y R
Ans. Option (B) is correct. (C) (D)
Explanation: General formula for carbohydrate is
(CH2O)x. Here x is the number of carbon atom in
the molecule. Ans. Option (C) is correct.
Q. 5. Curdling of milk is an example of: Explanation: In the formation of Zwitter ion,
(A) breaking of peptide linkage a proton from –COOH part of the molecule
is released and attaches itself to –NH2 part to
(B) hydrolysis of lactose
constitute a dipolar ion Zwitter ion is shown as
(C) breaking of protein into amino acids below :
(D) denaturation of protein
 R [CBSE, SQP, 2020-21]
Q. 6. Amino acids are:
(A) Acidic (B) Basic
(C) Amphoteric (D) Neutral
 R [CBSE Delhi Set-I 2020]
Ans. Option (C) is correct. B Assertion & Reason Type
Explanation: Amino acids are amphoteric because Questions
they contain both basic –NH2 group and acidic
–COOH group. Directions: In the following questions, A statement
of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of
Q. 7. Which one is the complementary base of cytosine Reason (R). Mark the correct choice as.
in one strand to that in other strand of DNA? (A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
(A) Adenine (B) Guanine of A.
(C) Thymine (D) Uracil (B) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct
 U [CBSE O.D. Set-III 2020] explanation of A.
Ans. Option (B) is correct. (C) A is true but R is false.
Explanation: Guanine (G) is the complementary (D) A is false and R is true.
Q. 1. Assertion (A): Deoxyribose, C5H10O4 is not a
base of cytosine (C) in one stand to that in other
carbo­hydrate.
stand of DNA.
Reason (R): Carbohydrates are optically active
CºG polyhydroxy aldehyde or polyhydroxy ketone
These questions are for practice and their solutions are available at the end of the chapter

or substances which give aldehyde or ketone on
hydrolysis.
Ans. Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: Deoxyribose, C5H10O4 is
carbohydrate and is the sugar moiety of DNA.
Q. 2. Assertion (A): D(+)–Glucose is dextrorotatory in
nature.
Reason (R): ‘D’ represents its dextrorotatory nature.
 U
Q. 3. Assertion (A): Glucose and fructose can be
distinguished by Tollen’s Reagent
Reason (R): Glucose contains an aldehyde group
while fructose contain a keto group.
Ans. Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: Tollens reagent gives positive tests
with aldehydes and alpha hydroxy ketones. So for
both glucose and fructose, tollen’s test is positive.
Hence assertion is incorrect. But reason statement
is correct as glucose contains an aldehyde group
and fructose contains an ketone group
Q. 4. Assertion (A): The two strands of DNA are
complementary to each other.
COMPETENCY BASED QUESTIONS
Case based MCQs
I. Read the passage given below and answer the
following questions:
EVIDENCE FOR THE FIBROUS NATURE OF DNA
The basic chemical formula of DNA is now well
established. It consists of a very long chain,
the backbone of which is made up of alternate
sugar and phosphate groups, joined together in
regular 3’ 5’ phosphate di-ester linkages. To each
sugar is attached a nitrogenous base, only four
different kinds of which are commonly found in
DNA. Two of these---adenine and guanine--- are
purines, and the other two thymine and cytosine-
are pyrimidines. A fifth base, 5-methyl cytosine,
occurs in smaller amounts in certain organisms,
and a sixth, 5-hydroxy-methyl-cytosine, is found
instead of cytosine in the T even phages. It
should be noted that the chain is unbranched,
a consequence of the regular internucleotide
linkage. On the other hand the sequence of the
different nucleotides is, as far as can be ascertained,
completely irregular. Thus, DNA has some features
which are regular, and some which are irregular.
A similar conception of the DNA molecule as a
long thin fiber is obtained from physicochemical
analysis involving sedimentation, diffusion,
light scattering, and viscosity measurements.
These techniques indicate that DNA is a very
asymmetrical structure approximately 20 A wide
and many thousands of angstroms long. Estimates
of its molecular weight currently centre between
5 X106 and X107 (approximately 3 X104 nucleotides).
These questions are for practice and their solutions are available at the end of the chapter
BIOMOLECULES 285
Reason (R): The hydrogen bonds are formed
U between specific pairs of bases.
 R [CBSE SQP 2020-21]
a
Ans. Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The two strands of DNA are
­complementary to each other and hydrogen bonds
are formed between specific pairs of bases.
Q. 5. Assertion (A): All naturally occurring α amino
acids except glycine are optically active.
Reason (R): Most naturally occurring α amino acids
R have L-configuration. R
Q. 6. Assertion (A): Proteins are found to have two
different types of secondary structures viz alpha-
helix and beta pleated sheet structure.
Reason (R): The secondary structure of proteins is
stabilised by hydrogen bonding.
Ans. Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: Two major factors stabilise the a-helix
structure are intramolecular H-bonding and
minimisation of steric interference between side
chains.
Surprisingly each of these measurements tend to
(4 marks each) suggest that the DNA is relatively rigid, a puzzling
finding in view of the large number of single bonds
(5 per nucleotide) in the phosphate-sugar back
bone. Recently these indirect inferences have been
confirmed by electron microscopy.
[CBSE-QB 2021]
Q. 1. Purines present in DNA are:
(A) adenine and thymine
(B) guanine and thymine
(C) cytosine and thymine
(D) adenine and guanine
Ans. Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: Adenine and guanine are associated
to form the adenine–thymine and guanine-
cytosine base pairs.
Q. 2. DNA molecule has ___________ inter­nucleotide
linkage and __________ sequence of the different
nucleotides.
(A) regular, regular (B) regular, irregular
(C) irregular, regular (D) irregular, irregular
Ans. Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: DNA molecule has regular
internucleotide linkage and irregular sequence of
the different nucleotides.
Q. 3. DNA has a ___________ backbone.
(A) phosphate-purine (B) pyrimidines-sugar
(C) phosphate-sugar (D) purine-pyrimidine
Ans. Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The backbone of DNA is made up of
Deoxyribose (Sugar) molecule connected to each
other using Phosphates.
286 Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, CHEMISTRY, Class-XII

Q. 4. 
Out of the four different kinds of nitrogenous
bases which are commonly found in DNA,
___________ has been replaced in some organisms.
(A) adenine (B) guanine
(C) cytosine (D) thymine
Ans. Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: A chemical compound that is used to
make one of the building blocks of DNA and RNA.
It is a type of pyrimidine. i.e., thymine.
II. Read the passage given below and answer the
following questions: (1 × 4 = 4)
The two monosaccharides are joined together by an
oxide linkage formed by the loss of a water molecule.
Such a linkage between two monosaccharide
units through oxygen atom is called glycosidic
linkage. In disaccharides, if the reducing groups of
monosaccharides, i.e., aldehydic or ketonic groups
are bonded, these are non-reducing sugars, e.g.,
sucrose. On the other hand, sugars in which these
functional groups are free, are called reducing
sugars, for example, maltose and lactose.
A non reducing disaccharide ‘A’ on hydrolysis with
dilute acid gives an equimolar mixture of D–(+)–
glucose and D-(-)-Fructose.
A + H O  → C H O +C H O
HCl
OR
 roteins are found to have two different types of
P
secondary structures, viz. a-helix and b-pleated
sheet structure. a-helix structure of protein is
stabilised by
(A) Peptide bonds
(B) van der Waals forces
(C) Hydrogen bonds
(D) Dipole-dipole interactions
Ans. Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: a-helix structure of protein is stabilised
by hydrogen bonds. A polypeptide chain forms all
possible hydrogen bonds by twisting into right-
handed helix with the –NH group of each amino
acid residue hydrogen bonded to >C=O of an
adjacent turn of helix.
III. Read the passage given below and answer any
four of the following questions:
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the energy-
carrying molecule found in the cells of all living
things. ATP captures chemical energy obtained
from the breakdown of food molecules and
releases it to fuel other cellular processes. ATP is a
nucleotide that consists of three main structures:

2 6 12 6 6 12 6 the nitrogenous base, adenine; the sugar, ribose;

[a]D =
+66.50 + 52.5° – 92.4° and a chain of three phosphate groups bound
Q. 1. In the above reaction, reactant ‘A’ is: to ribose. The phosphate tail of ATP is the actual
(A) Glucose (B) Sucrose power source which the cell taps. Available energy
(C) Maltose (D) Fructose is contained in the bonds between the phosphates
Ans. Option (B) is correct. and is released when they are broken, which
Explanation: occurs through the addition of a water molecule (a
+
process called hydrolysis). Usually only the outer
H
C12 H 22O11 + H 2O  → C 6 H12O6 + C 6 H12O6 phosphate is removed from ATP to yield energy;
(A) Glu cose Fructose
(Sucrose)
when this occurs ATP is converted to adenosine
diphosphate (ADP), the form of the nucleotide
Q. 2. What is the mixture of D-(+) glucose and D-(+) having only two phosphates.
fructose known as ?

The importance of ATP (adenosine triphosphate)
(A) Anomers (B) Racemic mixture
as the main source of chemical energy in living
(C) Invert sugar (D) Optical mixture
matter and its involvement in cellular processes
Ans. Option (C) is correct. has long been recognized. The primary mechanism
Explanation: The mixture of D-(+)- glucose and whereby higher organisms, including humans,
D-(-)-Fructose is known as invert sugar.
generate ATP is through mitochondrial oxidative
Q. 3. Name the linkage that holds the two units in the
phosphorylation. For the majority of organs,
disaccharide ?
the main metabolic fuel is glucose, which in
(A) Nucleoside linkage (B) Glycosidic linkage
the presence of oxygen undergoes complete
(C) Peptide linkage (D) None of the above
combustion to CO2 and H2O:
Ans. Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The linkage which holds the two C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6O2 + 6H2O + energy
monosaccharide units through oxygen atom is
The free energy (ΔG) liberated in this exergonic (ΔG
called glycosidic linkage. is negative) reaction is partially trapped as ATP in
Q. 4. Glucose on reaction with acetic acid gives glucose two consecutive processes: glycolysis (cytosol) and
pentaacetate. What does it suggest about the oxidative phosphorylation (mitochondria). The
structure of glucose ? first produces 2 mol of ATP per mol of glucose,
(A) C-1 is anomeric carbon and the second 36 mol of ATP per mol of glucose.
(B) C-5 is anomeric carbon Thus, oxidative phosphorylation yields 17-18 times
(C) 3’-OH groups are present as much useful energy in the form of ATP as can
(D) 5’-OH groups are present be obtained from the same amount of glucose by
Ans. Option (D) is correct. glycolysis alone.
Explanation: It indicates that 5’-OH groups are
The efficiency of glucose metabolism is the ratio of
present which react with acetic acid to give glucose amount of energy produced when 1 mol of glucose
pentaacetate. oxidised in cell to the enthalpy of combustion of
glucose. The energy lost in the process is in the
 BIOMOLECULES 287
form of heat. This heat is responsible for keeping us
warm. [CBSE-QB 2021]
Case based Subjective
The following questions are multiple choice Question (4 marks each)
questions. Choose the most appropriate answer: Read the passage and answer the following:
Q. 1. Cellular oxidation of glucose is a: Carbohydrates can exist in either of two
(A) spontaneous and endothermic process conformations, as determined by the orientation of
(B) non spontaneous and exothermic process the hydroxyl group about the asymmetric carbon
(C) non spontaneous and endothermic process farthest from the carbonyl group.
(D) spontaneous and exothermic process
By convention, a monosaccharide is said to have
Ans. Option (D) is correct.
D configuration if the hydroxyl group is attached
Q. 2. What is the efficiency of glucose metabolism if
to the asymmetric carbon atom adjacent to the
1 mole of glucose gives 38 ATP energy? (Given:
The enthalpy of combustion of glucose is 686 kcal, –CH2OH group is on the right hand side
1ATP = 7.3kcal) irrespective of the position of the other hydroxyl
(A) 100% (B) 38% groups. On the other hand, the molecule is assigned
(C) 62% (D) 80% L configuration if the –OH group is attached to the
Ans. Option (B) is correct. carbon adjacent to the
Explanation: Glucose catabolism yields a total of
–CH2OH group is on the left hand side.
38 ATP. 38 ATP × 7.3 kcal/mol ATP = 277.4
kcal. Glucose has 686 kcal. Thus the efficiency of
glucose metabolism is 277.4/686 × 100 = 40.43 %
approx 38%
Q. 3. Which of the following statement is true?
(A) ATP is a nucleoside made up of nitrogenous
base adenine and ribose sugar.
Q. 1. Identify the configuration of carbohydrate in the
(B) ATP consists the nitrogenous base, adenine above structure.
and the sugar, deoxyribose.
Ans. The given structure is L –Glyceraldehyde.
(C) ATP is a nucleotide which contains a chain of
Q. 1. What is the relation between D-Glyceraldehyde
three phosphate groups bound to ribose sugar.
and L-Glyceraldehyde?
(D) The nitrogenous base of ATP is the actual
Ans. As both D-Glyceraldehyde and L-Glyceraldehyde
power source.
contain an asymmetric carbon, they exist as pair of
Ans. Option (C) is correct.
enantiomers.
Q. 4. Nearly 95% of the energy released during cellular
Q. 2. What are the two functional group present in
respiration is due to:
typical carbohydrate?
(A) glycolysis occurring in cytosol.
Ans. Carbohydrate contain an aldehyde (-CHO) or an
(B) oxidative phosphorylation occurring in cytosol.
ketone(C=O) group and an alcohol (-OH) group
(C) glycolysis occurring in mitochondria.
in its structure.
(D) oxidative phosphorylation occurring in
mitochondria. Q. 3. Which type of monosaccharide D – L or both is
present in majority in human body?
Ans. Option (D) is correct.
Q. 5. Which of the following statements is correct? Ans. The monosaccharides commonly occurring in
our bodies are D- configuration and the enzymes
(A) ATP is a nucleotide which has three phosphate
catalysing their transformation are stereospecific to
groups while ADP is a nucleoside which three
these isomers.
phosphate groups.
Q. 4. What does ‘D’ indicate in D Glyceraldehyde?
(B) ADP contains a nitrogenous bases adenine,
ribose sugar and two phosphate groups bound Ans. A monosaccharide is said to have D configuration
to ribose. if the hydroxyl group is attached to the asymmetric
carbon atom adjacent to the –CH2OH group is on
(C)  ADP is the main source of chemical energy in
the right hand side irrespective of the position of
living matter.
the other hydroxyl groups.
(D) ATP and ADP are nucleosides which differ in
number of phosphate groups.
Ans. Option (B) is correct.
288 Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, CHEMISTRY, Class-XII

Solutions for Practice Questions (Topic-1)

Very Short Answer Type Questions
Ans.2: An anomeric carbon can be identified as the
carbonyl carbon (of the aldehyde or ketone
functional group) in the open-chain form of
the sugar. It can also be identified as the carbon
bonded to the ring oxygen and a hydroxyl group
in the cyclic form.
Short Answer Type Questions-I
Ans. 4: (i) The isomers which differ only in the
configuration of the hydroxyl group at C-1 are
called anomers and are referred to as a- and
b-forms. [1]
(ii) ‘a’ carbon of glucose and ‘b’ carbon of fructose are
the anomeric carbon atoms in the monosaccharide
units.[1]
Ans. 5: (i) Glycosidic linkage: The two monosaccharides
units are joined together through an oxide linkage
formed by loss of a molecule of H2O. [1]
(ii) Invert sugar: Hydrolysis of sucrose brings about a
change in sign of rotation from dextro (+) to laevo
(–) and the product is known as invert sugar. [1]
Commonly Made Error
Students often write irrelevant information
trying to explain the terms.
Answering Tip
Write the precise definitions as given in the
text.

Short Answer Type Questions-II

Ans. 3:

S. No. Test Glucose (Monosachharide) Sucrose (Disaccharide)

1. On heating with Fehling’s Red precipitate is obtained. No precipitate.

solutions.

2. On heating with Tollens’ Silver mirror is formed. No silver mirror is formed.

reagent (ammonical AgNO3).

3. On heating with phenyl Yellow coloured crystals of No osazone is formed.

hydrazine. osazone are formed.

4. On heating with resorcinol and No colour. Wine red colour.

HCl.

Long Answer Type Questions
Ans. 2: (i) (a) Glucose does not give 2,4-DNP test.
 (b) Glucose does not give Schiff’s test.
 (c) The pentaacetate of glucose does not react
with hydroxylamine.
[Any two of the above 1 + 1]
(ii) (a) Reducing sugars: These are carbohydrates that
can act as reducing agents due to the presence
of free aldehyde groups of free ketone groups.
 [1]
(b) Non- reducing sugars : These are carbohydrates
that cannot act as a reducing agents due to the

Commonly Made Error Answering Tip

Students often confused to give correct Be precise in your answer.
information.
 BIOMOLECULES 289

Solutions for Practice Questions (Topic-2)

Very Short Answer Type Questions-I Ans. 11: (i) Glycosidic linkage.[1]
Ans.3: The name given to the class of enzymes which (ii) Source: Meat, fish, egg, curd (any one); Pernicious
catalyse redox reactions is known as enzyme oxi- anemia  ½+½
doreductases. An example is Alcohol Dehydro- (iii) DNA is a double strand while RNA is a single
genase, which helps in reducing alcohol levels in strand molecule. (or any other correct difference)
the human body when alcohol is ingested.  [1]
Ans.5: Fat soluble vitamins are absorbed along with fats  [CBSE Marking Scheme 2017]
in the diet and are stored in body’s fatty tissue
Long Answer Type Questions
and in the liver. Vitamin A, D , E and K are fat
Ans.2: Complete hydrolysis of DNA yields a pentose
soluble vitamins.
sugar, phosphoric acid and nitrogen containing
Short Answer Type Questions-I heterocyclic compounds called bases.
Ans. 2: (i) Nucleoside: It is formed when pentose sugar Structures:
combines with nitrogen base. (i) Sugar:
Nucleotide: When nucleoside bonds with
phosphate group.[1]
(ii) a-helix has intramolecular hydrogen bonding
while b-pleated has intermolecular hydrogen
bonding / a-helix results due to regular coiling
β-D-2-deoxyribose [1]
of polypeptide chains while in a-pleated all
polypeptide chains are stretched and arranged (ii) Phosphoric acid:
side by side.[1] OH
|
Ans. 5: Those amino acids in which —NH2 group and P
—COOH group are attached to same carbon
|
HO || OH|
are called α-amino acids. These are obtained by O [1]
hydrolysis of proteins. e.g., glycine. (iii) Nitrogen base: DNA contains four bases : Adenine,
Short Answer Type Questions-II Guanine, Thymine and Cytosine.

Ans. 3: (i) Carbohydrates that yield two to ten

monosaccharide units, on hydrolysis, are
called oligosaccharides. Example: Sucrose or
any other.[1]
(ii) F
 ibrous protein: When polypeptide chains
run parallel and are held together by
hydrogen and disulphide bonds are called
fibrous proteins.
e.g., Keratin, myosin. [1] HC
H3C3
(iii) O rganic compounds required in the diet
in small amounts to perform specific
biological functions for normal maintenance
of optimum growth and health of the
organism. Example: Vitamin A[1]  [1]
 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2019] A unit formed by the attachment of a base to
Ans. 8: (i) Vitamin A[1] 1’-position of sugar is called nucleoside.
When nucleoside links to phosphoric acid at
(ii) Uracil [1] 5’-position of sugar moiety, a nucleotide is formed.
(iii) I t suggests that six carbon atoms are in Nucleotides are joined together by phosphodiester
straight chain/CHO—(CHOH)4—CH2OH[1] linkage between 5’- and 3’- carbon atoms of the
pentose sugar.
290 Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, CHEMISTRY, Class-XII

Base Base Base S

   T
Sugar  Phosphate  [Sug
gar  Phosphate] n  Sugar P
S G C S
P
[1] S A T S
P P
In DNA, two chains of nucleic acid coil around S T A
P
each other and held together by H-bonds between S A T
bases of two chains.
P
S C G S
P
S G C
S T A P
S
P
C G S
P

S T A S
P
G C S
P P
S A T
P
S C G
P P
S
P

OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS (1 mark each)

Multiple Choice Questions Assertion & Reason Type Questions

Ans. 2: Option (A) is correct.
Ans. 2: Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: Glucose and fructose differ
Explanation: ‘D’ corresponds to the position
structurally and stereochemically. They have
of –OH group on the right side on the farthest
same molecular formula i.e. C6H12O6. Hence,
asymmetric C-atom.
these are isomers of each other.
Ans. 5: Option (B) is correct.
Ans.5: Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: Most of the naturally occurring
Explanation: Curdling of milk is an example of amino acids have L−configuration. All naturally
denaturation of milk proteins. occurring a−amino acids are optically active
Ans.8: Option (D) is correct. except glycine.
Explanation: Alanine is non-essentials amino acid
while other amino acids-Proline, Lysine and Valine
are essential amino acids.

REFLECTIONS

(a) Can you identify whether the monosaccharide is an Aldose or a Ketose sugar?
(b) Can you draw the open structure of glucose and differentiate between Glucose and Fructose?
(c) Can you name some essential Amino Acids?
(d) Do you now know DNA is made up of what?
(e) Will you be able to differentiate between the nucleic acids-DNA and RNA?