Biochemistry: Chemical Reactions Chemical Constituents Chemical Basis of Life Biochemistry: Chemical Reactions Chemical Constituents

Chemistry Composition of substances and how they change Importance in understanding physiology Body’s functions result from cellular functions that result from chemical changes Food, liquids, medications are chemicals Biochemistry Explains physiological processes and aids in development of new medications/treatment for diseases

Chemical Reactions Acids, Bases, Salts Ionic substances placed in water dissolve Resulting solution has electrically charged particles (ions) Electrolytes release ions into water Release hydrogen ions (H+) called acids Combine with hydrogen ions called bases Bases can react with acids to neutralize Releasing water and electrolytes (salts)

Acid and Bases Concentration affect many life processes pH scale (0 – 14) As H+ ions increase, pH number decreases Hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions are always in balance with one another When one increases the other decreases

Narrow Range Organisms function in a vary narrow range pH of blood 7.35 to 7.45 Alkalosis pH 7.5 – 7.8 Agitated and dizzy Caused by rapid breathing, too many antacids, high fever, anxiety, mild vomiting Acidosis pH 7.0 – 7.3 Disoriented, fatigued, and difficult breathing Severe vomiting, diabetes, impaired breathing, lung, kidney disease Buffers resist pH change Combine or donate hydrogen ions

Chemical Constituents Organic Organic contains hydrogen and carbon atoms Organic molecules have longs chains or ring structures as a result of carbons ability to form 4 covalent bonds nonelectrolytes Inorganic Dissolve in water forming ions (electrolytes)

Inorganic Substances Water Oxygen Carbon Dioxide Inorganic Salts

Water Nature’s Solvent Most abundant compound in living systems 2/3 weight of adult human polar water molecules separate molecules into substances or ions More likely to react when separated Transports chemicals in body Absorbs and transports heat

Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Used to release energy from nutrients Carbon Dioxide Waste product Reacts with water becoming carbonic acid Respiratory organs to be exhaled Rd pg 61 “shadow box” CO and NO

Inorganic Salts Abundant in body fluids For example; sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, carbonate, bicarbonate, sulfate Metabolism, water concentrations, pH, blood clotting, bone development, energy transfer, muscle and nerve function (to name a few) Regularly gains and loses electrolytes

Organic Substances Carbohydrates Lipids Proteins Nucleic Acids

Carbohydrates (sugars) Energy needed for cell, cell structure, energy reserve Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen (1:2:1 ratio) Classified by size (ex. Monosaccharide) Complex sugar polysaccharide (cellulose) Cannot be digested by humans (dietary fiber) Starch long chain of glucose molecules Digested and stored in liver and muscles as glycogen

Lipids Insoluble in water (non polar) Fats, phospholipids, and steriods Cell membranes and energy Made up of fatty acids and glycerol Saturated Unsaturated Rd “shadow box” pg 63

Phospholipids and Steroids Cell membrane (phosphate head, fatty acid tail) Steroids Cholesterol, sex hormones, and hormones from adrenal glands

Proteins Made up of amino acids 20 types Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Shape determine function Structural materials, energy sources, chemical messengers, cell markers, receptors, oxygen transport, movement, enzyme Rd “shadow box” pg 66

Nucleic Acids DNA and RNA Nucleotides (sugar, base, phosphate) Genetic material