The Foundations of Biochemistry CHEM 7784 Biochemistry Professor Bensley

Today’s Objectives: 1.Define the principle areas of biochemistry 2.Explore the theory of “vitalism” 3.Examine the organization of life from both a chemical and a biological perspective 4.Begin to understand the complexity of biochemicals

What is Biochemistry? Biochemistry = chemistry of life Biochemists use physical and chemical principles to explain biology at the molecular level Basic principles of biochemistry are common to all living organisms

Principle Areas of Biochemistry Structure and function of biological macromolecules Metabolism – anabolic and catabolic processes Molecular Genetics – How life is replicated. Regulation of protein synthesis

Once upon a time, a long, long time ago… Vitalism: idea that substances and processes associated with living organisms did not behave according to the known laws of physics and chemistry Evidence: 1)Only living things have a high degree of complexity 2)Only living things extract, transform and utilize energy from their environment 3)Only living things are capable of self assembly and self replication

Origins of Biochemistry: A challenge to “Vitalism.” Hall of Fame of Famous Dead Biochemists!

Fallacy #1: Biochemicals can only be produced by living organisms 1828 Friedrich Wohler Dead Biochemist #1

Fallacy #2: Complex bioconversion of chemical substances require living matter 1897 Eduard Buchner Dead Biochemist #2 Glucose + Dead Yeast = Alcohol

Emil Fischer Fallacy #2: Complex bioconversion of chemical substances require living matter Dead Biochemist #3

Fallacy #2: Complex bioconversion of chemical substances require living matter Dead Biochemist # J.B. Sumner

Organization of Life elements simple organic compounds (monomers) macromolecules (polymers) supramolecular structures organelles cells tissues organisms

Most abundant, essential for all organisms: C, N, O, P, S, H Less abundant, essential for all organisms : Na, Mg, K, Ca, Cl Trace levels, essential for all organisms: Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn Trace levels, essential for some organisms: V, Cr, Mo, B, Al, Ga, Sn, Si, As, Se, I Elements of Life

Many Important Biomolecules are Polymers monomer polymer supramolecular structure lipidsproteinscarbonucleic acids

Lipids monomer polymer Supramo- lecular structure

Proteins monomer polymer Supramo- lecular structure Enzyme complex protein subunit amino acid

Carbohydrates monomer polymer supramolecular structure

monomer polymer Supramo- lecular structure Nucleic Acids

Common theme: Monomers form polymers through condensations Polymers are broken down through hydrolysis

Biological Molecules Typically Have Several Functional Groups

Structure of Biological Molecules is Important The function of molecules strongly depend on three-dimensional structure

Stereoisomers have Different Biological Properties Cis and trans isomers also have different physical and chemical properties

Optical Isomers have Different Biological Properties

Foundations of Biochemistry Summary The main learning goals for today were: To understand what defines living organisms To relate structure and function of the cell To realize that the structure of biomolecules often gives them specific functions Reminder: Take home exam #1 due 9AM Friday 8/29