Biochemistry Notes You are what you eat!?

Chemistry – study of what substances are made of and how they change and combine. Each different kind of atom is a different element. Examples of elements: C – Carbon H – Hydrogen O – Oxygen N – Nitrogen Two or more elements combine to make a compound. Examples of compounds – H2O, CO2, HCl, NaCl

Positive and negative ends like the poles of a magnet. Compounds are classified into 2 groups: 1. Inorganic Compounds – come from nonliving substances (In = not Organic = living) Ex: H2O is the universal solvent because of its bent molecular shape and polarity. Water dissolves other polar compounds by pulling them apart like a magnet separates metals. Positive and negative ends like the poles of a magnet. *70-80% of your body is water 2. Organic Compounds – come from living substances

Biochemistry – study of the chemistry of living organisms All organic compounds will have the element carbon in them Exception: CO2 is not organic (CO2 is not composed of living substances.) Organic compounds are usually complex compounds with many atoms in their structure. Ex: Glucose – C6H12O6 Four kinds of organic compounds: 1. Carbohydrates 2. Proteins 3. Lipids 4. Nucleic acids – DNA and RNA

Note: ***Polysaccharides are composed of monosaccharides bonded together. Polysaccharides must be first broken down to monosaccharides for cells to use as energy.

Carbohydrates Function Examples Structural Formula of Monosaccharide: first and preferred energy source of cells structural support in plants Examples monosaccharides – (one sugar) Ex: glucose, fructose polysaccharides – (many sugars) Ex: starch *** plant starch Ex: pasta, bread, rice cellulose – gives plant cells rigidity and gives us fiber in our diet Composition / Structure Ratio – 1C:2H:1O Ex: Glucose – C6H12O6 How are large macromolecules formed? Smaller sugars combine to make larger molecules. Carbohydrates Structural Formula of Monosaccharide:

Structural Formula of Amino Acid: Function control rate of reactions form bones and muscles transport substances in and out of cells fights disease Examples (not in the reading) food examples from animals – eggs, milk, meat food examples from plants – nuts, beans enzymes Structure elements involved – C, N, H, O proteins are composed of – amino acids How many different amino acids are there? 20 Proteins Structural Formula of Amino Acid:

General Structure of Amino Acid Alanine Serine

Protein Amino Acids

Lipids Function Examples Diet info store energy – provides more energy per gram than carbs part of cell membranes and waterproof coverings INSULATION Examples fats oils steroids waxes Diet info (to be covered in class) saturated – contains only single bonds, solid at room temp. unsaturated – contains double bonds, liquid at room temp. (Better for your diet.) Lipids Structural Formula of Lipid:

Nucleic Acids DNA RNA Monomer: Nucleotide Structure: C,H,O,N,P Function store and transmit genetic information (parent to offspring) Codes for proteins Examples DNA RNA Nucleic Acids Monomer: Nucleotide Structure: C,H,O,N,P

Enzymes Catalyst—substance that accelerates the rate of a chemical reaction Ex: hydrogen peroxide being broken down into water and oxygen H2O2 H2O + O2 add catalase for FASTER REACTION! Enzyme – a kind of catalyst found only in living things Enzymes are proteins Enzymes change only the speed of the reaction Enzymes are never used up in a reaction, so they can be used over and over Enzymes are specific for the reaction they catalyze Ex: Saltines and amylase Starch Sugar Enzymes allow digestion to occur faster; otherwise the hamburger you ate last week might still be in your stomach! By using enzymes to break chemical bonds in food molecules, organisms release energy for life processes