BiochemistryThe Chemistry of

Life

Basic Chemistry Element – pure substance that consists

entirely of one type of atom Ex. Hydrogen (H), Helium (He) It cannot be broken down into simpler

substances Found on the Periodic Table

Basic Chemistry Molecule – substance formed by the

chemical combination of two or more elements in definite proportions

Examples: H20, CO2, HCl Properties are different than the elements

that make it up

Basic ChemistryThe atoms in a molecule are held together by CHEMICAL BONDS

BOND

 What do the molecules below have in common? What is different about the molecules?

Organic Molecules Organic Chemistry - study of carbon

containing compounds Contain carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen

(O) and are associated with living things EX: C6H12O6 is glucose, an organic

molecule

Macromolecules Macromolecules – “Giant

molecules” or “biomolecules” made from smaller molecules Formed by a process known as

dehydration synthesis, in which large compounds are built by joining smaller ones together.

The smaller units, or monomers, join chemically together to form polymers.

Macromolecules/Biomolecules Four groups of macromolecules found in

ALL living things are: 1. Carbohydrates 2. Lipids3. Proteins4. Nucleic Acids

Carbohydrates Carbohydrates - Compounds made up

of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms (C, H, O)

MONOMERS are simple sugars called monosaccharides

EX) honey, glucose POLYMERS are complex carbs called

polysaccharides Ex) potato, pasta, bread, starch, cellulose

Uses of Carbohydrates Living things use carbohydrates as:

1. Quick source of energy (starches and sugars)2. Plants and some animals also use

carbohydrates for structural purposes (cellulose)

LIPIDSFATS and OILS – long term

energy storage and insulationButter, olive oil

WAXES – repel or retain water fruits, leaves, stems of plants

LIPIDSPHOSPHOLIPIDS – makes up the

cell membrane of all cells

STEROIDS – helps to control cell function

Structure of Lipids Made from carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen

atoms MONOMERS: Glycerol molecule + 3 fatty

acids Not soluble in water

PROTEINS Proteins - Macromolecules that contain

nitrogen as well as carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (C, H, O, N)

MONOMERS are called amino acids (there are 20 different amino acids)

POLYMERS are called polypeptides

Functions of Proteins Each protein has a specific

role.   1. Some proteins control the

rate of reactions and regulate cell processes.

2. Some are used to form bones and muscles and other structural molecules.

3. Others transport substances into or out of cells

4. Some help to fight disease.

Nucleic Acids Nucleic acids - Macromolecules

containing hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus (C, H, O, N, P)

Monomers: Made up of repeating units called nucleotides Each nucleotide contains:

1. 5-Carbon Sugar2. Phosphate Group3. Nitrogenous Base

Nucleic Acids Two Kinds of Nucleic

Acids POLYMERS:1. Ribonucleic acid (RNA)

Carries instructions on how to make proteins

2. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) Carries instructions

that control the activities of a cell

Nucleic Acids Function of Nucleic

Acids: Store genetic

information Transmit genetic

information