BIO0800 Chemistry Assessment Brief 2026 | Middlesex University London

BIO0800 Assessment Brief

Total – 1250 words (+/- 10%)

• Excluding: reference list, figures, tables, captions, equations.
• Including: in-text citations, headings.
• Individual word limits apply per question.
• You are advised to add a reference list at the end of each question. All to be listed as Harvard style but must additionally include the full URL to access.

Learning Outcomes

LO2 – Distinguish between different types of chemical bonding and forces acting between molecules.

LO3 – Describe the structure and function of organic molecules and distinguish between different types of organic reactions.

LO4 – Describe the molecular structure of biomolecules in relation to their biological function.

LO5 – Apply fundamental concepts in physical chemistry to solve problems related to energetics, kinetics and chemical equilibria.

Assessment Questions

Q1 Drug design (35 marks)

Word limit – 450

The figure below shows an enzyme drug target. The grey region represents an active site binding pocket and the outer structures are groups from amino acids at the target.

(Please note depiction is simplified to show only proximal groups, the peptides and complete structure are omitted).

Your task is to develop a non-covalent drug that occupies the active site by complementary shape and binding interactions. Note, at this proposed stage of development water molecules and pH do not require consideration. You must include chemical structures using software such as Biovia. As part of your answer, include chemical detail and demonstrate understanding on the following:

• Enzyme structure & function.
• Include a figure(s) to illustrate your compound and where it is proposed to fit & interact.
• Label / draw and explain the proposed intermolecular forces between the drug and target.
• Beyond binding, summarise any other considerations in early-stage development of a drug.

Figure 1 – Simplified depiction of macromolecule drug target. Structures show the proximal groups from amino acids, grey area represents binding pocket for ligand.

Q2 Biomolecules (30 marks)

Word limit – 350

Compare the chemical structure of lipids and carbohydrates with explanation of how this relates to examples of biological functions. Curate the content into an infographic and further explain with supporting text. You are strongly encouraged to use a tool such as Biorender and chemical drawing software such as Biovia. As part of your answer, include chemical detail and demonstrate understanding on the following:

• Chemical and physical properties.
• Figures with structural details such as functional groups, organic reactions.
• Links to macromolecule structures in biological systems.
• Examples of how the chemical structures impact biological roles.

Q3 Ocean equilibrium (35 marks)

Word limit – 450  Select either Q3 or Q4

Explain how rising atmospheric CO_{2 (g)} levels are causing ocean acidification and impacting marine life. As part of your explanation, include chemical detail and demonstrate understanding via the following:

• Evidence of ocean pH changes.
• Balanced equations.
• Apply Le Chatelier’s principles.
• Explain the changes of carbonate levels and subsequent impact.
• Further critically review the impact specifically on shark teeth health.

Q4 Defence reaction (35 marks)

Word limit – 450  Select either Q4 or Q3

The bombardier beetle defence mechanism is to combine hydroquinone with hydrogen peroxide into a reaction chamber containing catalase and peroxidases. The quinone produced can be sprayed out, acting as an irritant to the eyes and respiratory system of other vertebrates. Under the given conditions, the enthalpy change of reaction is -202.8 kJ/mol and Gibbs free energy is negative.

Figure 2 – Reaction components, left to right: Hydroquinone, hydrogen peroxide, quinone, water. Yellow highlight indicate oxidation states to calculate.

Explain the chemical basis of this reaction. As part of your explanation, include chemical detail and demonstrate understanding via the following:

• A balanced reaction equation.
• Any changes in oxidation and/or reduction for indicated components (highlighted). You must show working out, ideally using Lewis dot structures drawn using Biovia.
• Produce a fully labelled energy level diagram for enthalpy change of reaction, including catalyst impact.
• Explain how the beetle is able to spray out the reaction product with spontaneity, enthalpy and pressure changes.

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