Biology: Basic Biochemistry Organic Chemistry Organic chemistry is the study of carbon compounds. Organic compounds are compounds composed primarily of a carbon skeleton. All living things are composed of organic compounds. Organic Chemistry What makes carbon special? Why is carbon so different from all the other elements on the periodic table? The answer derives from the ability of carbon atoms to bond together to form long chains and rings. Organic Chemistry Draw the orbital diagram for the carbon atom. Organic Chemistry Carbon can covalently bond with up to four other atoms. Carbon can form immensely diverse compounds, from simple to complex. Methane with 1 DNA with tens of Billions Carbon atom of Carbon atoms What is Biochemistry? Biochemistry is the study of the chemical interactions of living things. Biochemists study the structures and physical properties of biological molecules. Often are involved in the manufacture of new drugs and medical treatments Elements in Living Organisms The most common elements found in living organisms include: Carbon (C) Hydrogen (H) Nitrogen (N) Oxygen (O) Phosphorus (P) Sulfur (S) Remember CHNOPS Biochemistry: where chemistry and biology meet head-on Living things require millions of chemical reactions within the body, just to survive. Metabolism = all the chemical reactions occurring in the body. Organic molecules: usually associated with living things. always contain CARBON. are “large” molecules, with many atoms always have covalent bonds (share electrons) Macromolecules of Cells Macro = large 4 types of macromolecules in cellular biology 1. Carbohydrates 2. Lipids 3. Proteins 4. Nucleic Acids Macromolecule #1: Carbohydrates Made up of simple sugars or groups of sugars Purposes: energy and structure Includes three types: Monosaccharide- only 1 sugar –quick energy Ex. glucose Disaccharide - 2 sugars (monosaccharides) linked together – short-term energy storage Ex. sucrose Polysaccharide - many sugars linked together. long-term energy storage & form structures Macromolecule #1: Carbohydrates Polysaccharide Examples: Glycogen—glucose polymer stored for future energy needs. Found in liver, muscle and sperm, etc. Cellulose—glucose polymer used to form fibers for plant structures. Humans can’t digest (fiber). Most abundant organic molecule. Chitin—glucose polymer for exoskeletons of some crustaceans & insects. Polysaccharides Polysaccharides Macromolecule #2: Lipids Insoluble in water (think oil & water) 4 types: Triglycerides (long-term energy storage, insulation) Ex. fats & oils Phospholipids (primary component of cell membrane) Steroids (cell signaling) Ex. cholesterol, testosterone, estrogen, etc. Waxes (protection, prevents water loss) Ex. Used mainly by plants, but also bees, some furry animals and humans. Triglycerides Phospholipids Steroids Waxes Macromolecule #3: Proteins The building blocks of proteins are AMINO ACIDS. There are only 20 types of Amino Acids. There are millions of different proteins, and they are all built from different combinations of the 20 amino acids. Amino acids join together to form peptides, polypeptides, and polypeptide chains. Macromolecule #3: Proteins Probably the most complicated of all biological molecules. Serve the most varied purposes, including: Support structural proteins (e.g., keratin, collagen) Enzymes speed up chemical reactions Transport cell membranes channels, transporters in blood (e.g., Hemoglobin) Defense antibodies of the immune system Hormones cell signaling (e.g., insulin) Motion contractile proteins (e.g., actin, myosin) Collagen Antibodies Cellular Transport Motion actin & myosin fibers in muscles Macromolecule #4: Nucleic Acids Nucleotides: building blocks of nucleic acids. Each nucleotide contains (a) phosphate molecule, (b) nitrogenous base, and (c) 5-carbon sugar Several types of nucleic acids, including: DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid Genetic material, double stranded helix blueprint for protein synthesis RNA: ribonucleic acid Genetic material, single stranded Helps make proteins DNA Nucleotide Structure.