INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMISTRY All biological matter is made up of atoms & compounds ____________________________________________ and is able to function the way it does because of the energy stored in chemical bonds. ionic bond covalent bond See p.2 Biochemistry CD

IONIC BOND

COVALENT BOND

important atoms ... Oxygen (O) Phosphorus (P) Carbon (C) Potassium (K) The understanding the basic chemistry of life is vital to a full comprehension of biology. important atoms ... Oxygen (O) Phosphorus (P) Carbon (C) Potassium (K) 96-99 % Hydrogen (H) Sulphur (S) Nitrogen (N)

Why is CARBON so important? ________________________________ because all known life forms are associated with and depend on reactions involving carbon. Carbon is so important to biochemistry

carbon is the "BACKBONE OF LIFE"

special chemical properties of carbon All __________________________ are therefore known as ______________ molecules (this excludes oxides of carbon such as CO2, CO, and HCO3). Carbon containing molecules ORGANIC See p.20-21 Biochemistry CD special chemical properties of carbon Four bonding electrons = tetrahedron shape Small and light Can form single, double, or triple bonds with other atoms to form compounds Can form long chains or rings Carbon is very common!

COMPOUNDS Carbon compounds work the way they do because of their functional groups. Functional groups are usually the part involved in reactions. Functional groups have constant properties, and there are six that concern us. #1 HYDROXIDE GROUP Properties: These are the alcohols. They absorb hydrogen ions = BASIC. OH- + H+  H2O

#2 CARBOXYL GROUP Properties: Can donate Hydrogen ions = ACID Joins with amino groups to form peptide bonds in proteins

#3 #4 AMINE GROUP Properties: These are the amines. Amines are found in all amino acids, and join with carboxyl groups to make protein chains. #4 SULFHYDRYL Group Properties: These are the thiols. They help to form sulfur bridges in proteins, and thus help give shape to proteins.

#5 PHOSPHATE Group Properties: Due to symmetry and ‘rotating’ double bond, it is ideal for energy transfer reactions Cellular Respiration (creating ATP). Also found in the backbone of DNA and RNA.

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