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Basic Biochemistry

Basic Biochemistry. 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.

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Basic Biochemistry

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  1. Basic Biochemistry

  2. 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

  3. 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)

  4. Composition of an Atom • Protons: Nucleus, positive charge • Neutrons: Nucleus, no charge • Electron: Energy levels, negative charge

  5. Isotopes • Atoms of the same element with a different number of neutrons. • Benefits: the radiation given off of some isotopes can be used to treat cancer and kill bacteria that cause food to spoil. • Can also be used as “tracers” to follow the movement of substances thru the body.

  6. Bonding • There are 2 main types of bonds: • Ionic: When atoms transfer electrons • Covalent: When atoms share electrons

  7. Acids & Bases • Acids have a pH of 0-6 • Bases have a pH of 7-14 • Neutral = 7 • What is the optimal pH of human blood? • 7.4

  8. Buffers • Substances that can absorb or release H+ as levels fluctuate within living systems to help maintain a constant pH • Example: Carbonic Acid Bicarbonate (buffer that helps maintain pH of the blood)

  9. Macromolecules of Cells • Macro = large • 4 types of macromolecules in cellular biology 1. Carbohydrates 2. Lipids 3. Proteins 4. Nucleic Acids

  10. Macromolecule #1: Carbohydrates • Sugars and groups of sugars • Purposes: energy and structure • Includes three types: • Monosaccharide (1 sugar – quick energy) • Disaccharide (2 sugars – short storage) • Polysaccharide (many sugars – energy long storage & form structures)

  11. 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.

  12. Polysaccharides

  13. Polysaccharides

  14. Macromolecule #2: Lipids • Insoluble in water (think oil & water) 4 types: • 1-triglycerides (fats & oils) • (long-term energy storage, insulation) • 2-phospholipids (primary component of cell membrane) • 3-steroids (cell signaling) • cholesterol molecules modified to form sex hormones. (e.g. testosterone, estrogen, etc.) • 4-waxes (protection, prevents water loss) • Used mainly by plants, but also bees, some furry animals and humans.

  15. Triglycerides

  16. Phospholipids

  17. Steroids

  18. Waxes

  19. Macromolecule #3: Proteins • Probably the most complicated of all biological molecules. • Serve the most varied purposes, including:

  20. Collagen

  21. Antibodies

  22. Cellular Transport

  23. Motion actin & myosin fibers in muscles

  24. 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.

  25. Enzymes • Act as a lock and key • Specific: One substrate fits one enzyme • Reusable: One enzyme can break down many substrates

  26. Competitive Inhibition • In competitive inhibition, the inhibitor binds to the same active site as the normal enzyme substrate, without undergoing a reaction.

  27. Induced Fit Model • In this model, the enzyme changes shape on substrate binding. The active site forms a shape complementary to the substrate only after the substrate has been bound

  28. 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 • RNA: ribonucleic acid • Genetic material, single stranded • ATP: adenosine triphosphate • High energy compound

  29. DNA

  30. Nucleotide Structure

  31. THE BIG PICTURE • Chemistry is essential for life…

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