Biochemistry

Organization Human body Organ systems Organs Tissues Cells Organic Molecules

Definitions Biochemistry: the chemistry of the body’s structures and functions Organic Molecule: molecules that contain carbon and are found in and produced by living things Bioactive Molecule: molecules that promote chemical reactions Structural Molecule: molecules that compose body parts

Types of Organic Molecules Carbohydrates Proteins (peptides) Lipids (fats) Nucleic Acids

Inorganic Molecules important to living things Minerals Water

Carbohydrates An organic molecule consisting of C, H, and O in a 1:2:1 ratio Simple sugars: a quick source of energy Monosaccharides: glucose (blood), fructose (fruit) Disaccharides: sucrose (table sugar), lactose (milk)

Complex carbohydrates: a gradual source of energy, fiber Polysaccharides: glycogen (stored in liver, muscle), starch (potato, grains), cellulose (fiber- seeds, skins)

Proteins Structural proteins: build and repair cells Bioactive proteins: enzymes (ex. digestion), most hormones (ex. emotions, growth) Found in animals (chicken, meat, fish, eggs) and plants (beans, nuts)

Proteins Large chains made of building blocks called amino acids There are 20 amino acids, which can be arranged to form thousands of different proteins The largest protein contains 27,000 amino acids

Lipids: Structural: insulation, protection Bioactive: stored energy, some hormones, vitamins Monoglyceride: transported in blood Diglyceride: used for body growth Tricglyceride: store energy Found in fats, oils, and waxes

Saturated Triglyceride Glycerol + fatty acid chains

Lipids Saturated: all bonds are occupied with hydrogen atoms Unsaturated: double bonds leave room for more hydrogen atoms (liquid, healthier) Hydrogenation: a process of saturating a lipid to help prevent spoiling, creates “Transfats” (solid, unhealthy)

Lipids: Sterols Produced when the body converts fatty acids into multiringed structures –Cholesterol: body structure, brain development, and fat digestion –Sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone) promote sexual development, affect mood

Lipids: Terpenoids Small, modified lipids Play an important role in fighting disease, include vitamins –Vitamin A: eyes, skin (eggs, carrots, spinach) –Vitamin B complex Thiamin: nerves/heart (vegetables, nuts) Riboflavin: skin/tissue repair (fish, green veggies) Niacin: skin (grain, tomato, beans) B12: red blood cells (meat, poultry, dairy)

Lipids: Terpenoids –Vitamin C: gums, teeth, healing (fruits) –Vitamin D: gut, bones, teeth (fish, dairy) –Vitamin E: protection (oils, seeds, grains) –Vitamin K: blood clotting (green veg, liver)

Nucleic Acids Provide genetic information

Minerals Inorganic elements absorbed by living things from soil, water, or food Calcium: bones, teeth, nerves, clotting (dairy, tofu, greens) Iron: growth, blood (meat, grains, green veg, beans, egg) Potassium: fluid balance, nerves (meats, produce) Sodium: water balance, nerves (salt)

Water The most abundant molecule in the body Regulates body temperature and transports material in the blood, removes wastes, protects joints/organs