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

9. 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)

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

11. 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)

12. 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.

13. Polysaccharides

14. Polysaccharides

15. 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.

16. Triglycerides

17. Phospholipids

18. Steroids

19. Waxes

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

21. Collagen

22. Antibodies

23. Cellular Transport

24. Motion actin & myosin fibers in muscles

25. 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.

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

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

30. 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

31. 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

32. DNA

33. Nucleotide Structure

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