Unit 1 Notes: Biochemical Reactions in Living Things

(1) Matter & Energy All living things are made of matter (atoms). All living things require energy to do anything. Both Cycle & Transform: Cells need to break apart molecules and build new ones. Cells need to store energy for future reactions, and have energy for current reactions.

(2) ATP Adenosine Triphosphate is an energy exchanging molecule for living systems. To Release Energy  Remove a phosphate using water. To Store Energy  Bond a phosphate onto Adenosine Diphosphate using water.

(3) Polarity When an atom, or a portion of a compound having a partial charge, due to the uneven distribution of electrons. Polarity changes the way biomolecules can react within living systems! Example: Water Molecules

(4) Water & Living Things Chemical Formula = H2O Cells are approx. 70% water Characteristics: Polar Cohesion  Water molecules attract other water molecules. Adhesion  Water molecules are attracted to other polar surfaces. Universal Solvent

(5) Biomolecule Metabolism Biomolecules: Carbohydrates Proteins Lipids Nucleic Acids Metabolism: The breaking down / building of molecules using chemical reactions inside cells. Common Reactions used to Break Down & Create Molecules: Hydrolysis Dehydration Synthesis

(6) Hydrolysis Hydro = Water -lysis = Break Apart / Explode / Rupture Water is added to larger polymers, to break them down into smaller monomer units. Allows cells to release stored chemical potential energy in molecule bonds.

(7) Dehydration Synthesis De = Without / Remove Hydration = Water Synthesis = To produce / To make Dehydration Synthesis: The removal of water from two smaller monomer units, in order to produce a larger polymer molecule. Allows cells to bond together smaller molecules, and store energy within the newly formed bonds.