Biochemistry Basics

Biochemistry Basics Objectives: Be able to read a Periodic Table Identify elements and compounds needed by living organisms How are compounds created? Define organic and inorganic

Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table 15 31 P Phosphorus Atomic mass number (protons and neutrons) Atomic number (protons) Symbol Name # of protons = atomic number # of electrons = # protons (in a neutral atom) # neutrons = atomic mass number – atomic number

Elements found in the Human Body: PERCENT Oxygen 65 % Potassium 0.35 % Carbon 18 % Sulfur 0.25 % Hydrogen 10 % Sodium 0.15 % Nitrogen 3 % Magnesium 0.05 % Calcium 1.5 % Fluorine trace Phosphorus 1 % Chlorine

Compounds are created through the bonding of elements: Water - H2O H H single bond O Carbon dioxide - CO2 O O C double bond

Skill: Reading & Writing Chemical Formulas SUBSTANCE CHEMICAL FORMULA COMPONENT TOTAL # ATOMS 2 hydrogen 1 oxygen 3 Water H2O 1 sodium 1 chlorine 2 Salt NaCl 1 carbon 2 oxygen Carbon dioxide 3 CO2 6 carbon 6 oxygen 12 hydrogen 24 Glucose C6H12O6 Oxygen Gas 2 O2 2 oxygen

Organic vs. Inorganic Organic relating to or derived from living matter organic chemistry is the study of carbon- based compounds (usually a combination of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen) examples  sugars, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids Inorganic referring to chemicals that are not and never were living examples  salts, water, carbon dioxide, oxygen