Question 1: Define a polymer and explain how DNA qualifies as a natural polymer.

Answer: A polymer is a large molecule composed of many repeated subunits called monomers. DNA qualifies as a natural polymer because it is made up of repeating nucleotide units linked together.

Question 2: Describe the primary structure of an amino acid and how amino acids link together to form proteins.

Answer: An amino acid has a central carbon atom bonded to a carboxyl group, an amino group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable side chain. Amino acids link via peptide bonds to form proteins.

Question 3: What is the significance of the sequence of nucleotides in DNA for nanotechnology applications?

Answer: The sequence determines the specific order of nucleotides, which encodes genetic information used in designing nanomaterials with precise functions.

Question 4: Explain how amino acids can be used to create nanostructures in medicine.

Answer: Amino acids can be engineered to assemble into nanostructures such as nanocapsules or nanofibres, which can deliver drugs or target specific cells.

Question 1: Calculate the molecular weight of a DNA nucleotide consisting of deoxyribose (C5H10O4), a phosphate group (H3PO4), and a nitrogenous base (e.g., adenine, C5H5N5). Use atomic weights: C=12, H=1, O=16, P=31, N=14.

Answer: Molecular weight of nucleotide = (C: 5×12) + (H: 10×1) + (O: 4×16) + (P: 31) + (C: 5×12) + (H: 5×1) + (N: 5×14) + (H: 5×1). Total weight = 60 + 10 + 64 + 31 + 60 + 5 + 70 + 5 = 305 g/mol.

Question 2: A solution contains 2.5 g of amino acids with a molecular weight of 110 g/mol. How many moles of amino acids are present?

Answer: Number of moles = mass / molar mass = 2.5 g / 110 g/mol ≈ 0.0227 mol.

Question 1: Outline a safety precaution that should be observed when handling nucleotide solutions in a nanotechnology experiment.

Answer: Wear appropriate gloves and eye protection to prevent contact with potentially harmful chemicals.

Question 2: Identify the variable that you would change if you wanted to test the effect of pH on amino acid assembly in a nanotech experiment.

Answer: The pH of the solution.

Question 1: A study shows that amino acid-based nanostructures can improve targeted drug delivery efficiency by 30%. If the original efficiency was 50%, what is the new efficiency percentage?

Answer: New efficiency = 50% + (30% of 50%) = 50% + 15% = 65%.

Question 2: Interpret how the sequence variability in DNA can be exploited in nanotechnology to create custom nanodevices.

Answer: Variability in DNA sequences allows for the design of specific base pairings, enabling the construction of custom nanostructures with precise shapes and functions for targeted applications such as sensors, drug delivery, or molecular scaffolds.

Question 1: Describe how synthetic amino acids can be used to develop advanced nanomaterials for medical implants. (6 marks)

Answer: Synthetic amino acids can be engineered to form specific nanostructures with enhanced stability and functionality. These nanomaterials can be used in medical implants to improve biocompatibility, reduce rejection, and enable targeted drug release, thereby advancing personalised medicine.

Question 2: Explain the potential advantages of using DNA-based nanodevices in nanomedicine.

Answer: DNA-based nanodevices offer high specificity due to base-pairing, programmability for complex structures, biocompatibility, and the ability to target specific cells or tissues, making them highly promising for nanomedicine.