Questions for examens in biochemistry

1) Describe a sandwich ELISA with a sketch.

2) Name and explain the different structural forms of proteins.

3) In the 1950s, an experiment was carried out to recreate chemical evolution on the early Earth.
Describe the experiment (schematic drawing) and whether it was successful.

4) What is the Michaelis-Menten equation? What is the dimension/unit of the Michaelis constant Km
and what relationship can be drawn between the reaction rate v0 and Km?

5) What are the functions of protein kinases?

6) The Michaelis-Menten equation is usually not very useful for experimental data. This equation can
be transformed into more suitable equations, two of which are commonly used. Name one of them
and write down what this equation looks like.

7) How is the catalytic efficiency of enzymes defined? What does it mean when an enzyme has
reached catalytic perfection? Can you give an example?

8) What does the abbreviation RIA mean? Describe how an RIA works.

9) Many enzymes can catalyze metabolic processes through their structure alone. However, some
enzymes require additives (non-protein molecules/atoms) in order to fulfill their function.

(a) What is the general term for these additives?

(b) Which additive plays an important role in nucleic acid polymerases?
(c) Which two components form the additive in hemoglobin?

10) Describe the relevant aspects of the Calvin cycle. Address the following points: (6 points)

(a) Which substrate is converted into which product?

(b) What forms of energy are produced or required?
(c) Which is the key enzyme in the reaction and what is its function?
(d) What is the stoichiometric relationship between the formation of glucose, glyceraldehyde-3-
phosphate and the completion of the Calvin cycle?

11) How many ATP molecules are consumed in the preparatory phase of glycolysis and what are the
biochemical steps involved?