Chapter 2 Basic Biochemistry

Biochemistry: Essentials for Life Organic compounds Contain carbon Most are covalently bonded Example: C 6 H 12 O 6 (glucose) Inorganic compounds Lack carbon Tend to be simpler compounds Example: H 2 O (water)

Important Inorganic Compounds Water 1.Most abundant inorganic compounds 2.Vital properties a)High heat capacity b)Polarity/solvent properties c)Chemical reactivity d)Cushioning

Salts 1.Easily dissociate into ions in the presence of water 2.Vital to many body functions 3.Include electrolytes which conduct electrical currents Important Inorganic Compounds Cube of NaCl

Acids Can release detectable hydrogen ions (protons) Your stomach produces a strong acid to kill pathogens and begin digestion (HCl) Bases Proton acceptors Antacid medications like Tums and Peptobismol contain bases. Neutralization reaction Acids and bases react to form water and a salt Acids & Bases HCl + NaHCO 3 H 2 O + NaCl + CO 2

pH Measures relative concentration of hydrogen ions pH 7 = neutral pH below 7 = acidic pH above 7 = basic Buffers are chemicals that can regulate pH change Acids & Bases

Important Organic Compounds Carbohydrates Contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen Include sugars and starches Used by the body for energy Classified according to size Monosaccharides – simple sugars Disaccharides – two simple sugars joined by dehydration synthesis Polysaccharides – long branching chains of linked simple sugars

Carbohydrates Important Organic Compounds Polysaccharide

Carbohydrates Important Organic Compounds AKA Complex Carbohydrates

Lipids 1.Contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; carbon and hydrogen outnumber oxygen 2.Insoluble in water 3.Used in the body for forming the cell membrane, hormone and vitamin production, energy storage, cushioning and insulation Important Organic Compounds

Common lipids in the human body: 1.Neutral fats (triglycerides) a)Found in fat deposits b)Composed of fatty acids and glycerol c)Source of stored energy 2.Phospholipids - form cell membranes 3.Steroids - Include cholesterol, bile salts, vitamin D, and some hormones Important Organic Compounds

Lipids: Trigylcerides & Phospholipids Important Organic Compounds

Saturated vs. Unsaturated Fats 1.Saturated fats have all single bonds. They are saturated with hydrogen atoms. (tend to be solid at room temperature.) 2.Unsaturated fats have one or more (polyunsaturated) double bonds between carbon atoms. (tend to be liquid at room temperature.) Important Organic Compounds

Lipids: Cholesterol Important Organic Compounds

Proteins…They do everything!! 1.Made of amino acids 2.Contain carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur 3.Plays a vital role in cell function a)Provides for construction materials for body tissues b)Act as enzymes, hormones, and antibodies 4.Account for over half of the body’s organic matter Important Organic Compounds

Proteins – Structure determines function

Proteins: Enzymes 1.Act as biological catalysts 2.Increase the rate of chemical reactions Important Organic Compounds

Nucleic Acids 1.Encode protein recipes 2.Nucleotide bases a)A = Adenine b)G = Guanine c)C = Cytosine d)T = Thymine e)U = Uracil 3.Make DNA and RNA Important Organic Compounds

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) 1.Provides instruction for every protein in the body 2.Organized by complimentary bases to form double helix 3.Replicates before cell division Important Organic Compounds Nucleic Acids

Important Organic Compounds