Biochemistry

Biochemistry

1. Water

   • All living things are made of large amounts of water.
   • Universal Solvant
   • Causes surface tension.
   • Polar (dipole) Forms Hydrogen bonds.
   • It is a liquid over a large sand of temperatures.
   • Heat capacity is very high. Takes a large amount of heat to change state.
   • Less dense as a solid, densest at 4 *C.
   • Moderates the Climate
   • Medium for most cellular processes.

2. Carbohydrates CHO C6H1206 CnH2nOn

   • Monosaccharide
     • Energy Source
   • Disoccharide
     • Energy Source
   • Polysaccharide
     • Starch, Cellulose, Glycogen
     • Energy Storage
       • Communication
         • Stricural Support

3. Lipids

   • Non-polar biological molecules, made up of hydrogen, carbon and somewhat oxygen. Lipids do not dissolve in water, which allows them to form cell membranes. Lipids are also stored to be used as an energy source.
     • Fatty Acid: Carboxyl group linked to a hydrocarbon chain. Function: Cellular functions, and energy storage. Example: Stearic Acid
       • Fats: Three fatty acid chain linked to glycerol. Function: Energy storage and insulation. Example: Butter and olive oil.
         • Phospholipids: Two fatty acid chains and a phosphate group linked to glycerol. Function: Cell membrane. Example: Lipid bilayer.
           • Steroid: Four carbon ring. Function: Hormonal signalling, cell response to the environment, and growth. Example: Testosterone and Cholesterol.
             • Wax: Long fatty acid chains linked to alcohol or carbon rings. Function: Water resistance and protection. Example: Wax coating on fruits, leaves and stems.

4. Proteins

   • Proteins are made up of amino acids.
     • Each amino acid is made up of a tetrahedral carbon atom connected to an amino group, a carboxylic acid group, a distinctive side chain and a hydrogen.
       • Primary Structure Sequence of amino acids.
         • Secondary Structure Interactions of adjacent amino acids.
           • Tertiary Structure Interactions between distanta's and more folding.
             • Quaternary Structure Two or more chains interact.
     • All natural proteins are made up of the same 20 amino acids.
       • 8 of them are essential