Biochemistry The Chemistry of Life

Chemical Elements Elements: 105 single substances can’t be broken down. 4 Most Common Elements: C- carbon H- hydrogen O- oxygen N- nitrogen

Periodic Table Of Elements

Why Chemistry in Biology? Cells are involved in chemical reactions. Ex. H 2 O, O 2, CO 2, proteins. Elements alone are very lonely  they join together (bond) to form compounds.

Types of Compounds Organic Contain both C and H. Living or once living Inorganic Does not contain both C and H. Non-living

Which are organic and which are inorganic? H 2 O CO 2 C 6 H 12 O 6 C 12 H 22 O 11 NaCl Remember: Water (H 2 O) is the most abundant inorganic compound in the human body!

Four Types of Organic Compounds Carbohydrates: C, H, O Proteins: C, H, O, N Lipids: C, H, O Nucleic Acids: C, H, O, N, P

Carbohydrates: Contain C, H, O. 2:1 ratio of H:O Ex. C 6 H 12 O 6, C 12 H 22 O 11 Ex. Sugars and starches Names end in - ose. Ex. Glucose. Function- quick energy (bread, cereal, pasta, rice)

One sugar- – Monosaccharide – Simple Sugar – glucose Two sugars- – Disaccharide – Double Sugar – maltose, lactose & sucrose Many sugars- – Polysaccharide – starch & cellulose

Structure: Honey comb shape

Lipids/Fats Contain C, H, O No 2:1 ratio of H & O. Stored energy Fats, oils, milk, butter. Building blocks of a lipid: 3 Fatty Acids and One Glycerol

Lipid

Nucleic Acids Contains C, H, O, N, P Ex.’s: DNA and RNA (hereditary material in the nucleus) DNA: double stranded RNA: single stranded

Structure of DNA DNA:

Proteins Contains C, H, O, N Found in meat, fish, eggs, beans. Function: builds and repairs cells (muscle cells) Building blocks are called amino acids – 1 amino acid= peptide – 2 amino acids= dipeptide – Many amino acids= polypeptide Ex) enzymes, insulin, hormones, hemoglobin.

One amino acid:

Amino Acid

Polymer Chain of repeating units

Dehydration Synthesis- Make a polymer by removing water. Simple  Complex Carbohydrate- monosaccharide + monosaccharide  disaccharide + water Protein- amino acid + amino acid  protein + water peptide + peptide  dipeptide + water Lipid- 3 Fatty Acids + 1 Glycerol  Lipid(Fat) + water

Hydrolysis / Digestion: Break apart a polymer by adding water. Complex  Simple Carbohydrate- Disaccharide + water  monosaccharide + monosaccharide Protein- Protein + water  amino acid + amino acid Dipeptide + water  peptide + peptide Lipid- Lipid + water  Glycerol + 3 fatty acids