Essential compounds and elements in biochemistry

The Chemistry of Cells: 

The Chemistry of Cells Important chemicals within the body

Objectives: 

Summarize the characteristics of organic compounds Compare the structures and function of different types of biomolecules Describe the components of DNA and RNA Objectives

Carbon Compounds: 

Most matter in your body that is not water is made of organic compounds. Substances are said to be organic if they contain carbon atoms that are covalently bonded to other atoms. We can characterize the chemicals by what sub units they are made of, what larger units they combine to form, what they do for the body, and where we get them (our diet, made in the body, etc.) Carbon Compounds

Carbohydrates: 

Sub unit: Monosaccharides or Simple sugars that contain only one chain of carbon atoms. An example would be glucose (C 6 H 12 O 6 ) or fructose which is an isomer of glucose. They have the same formula but differ structurally and so do different things in the body. Macromolecules: Starch, glycerin, or cellulose. These have multiple chains of carbon atoms. Function: Carbohydrates are a key source of energy and are found in most foods but especially fruits, vegetables, and grains. Source: Foods high in sugars or starch. Rice, potatoes, vegetables or grains. Carbohydrates

Lipids: 

Sub unit: glycerol and fatty acids or glycerol and fatty acids, and phosphate group Macromolecules: fats, phospholipids Function: Used by the body to store energy, forms the lipid bilayer model cell membrane Source: Meat, dairy products, waxes. Lipids

Proteins: 

Sub unit: amino acids Macromolecules: globular protein, structural protein Function: Proteins work as the building blocks of body systems. Proteins make up your muscles, hair, eyes, nerves, and skin. They also make up enzymes and other chemicals the body uses. Source: Meat, chicken, fish, legumes (beans). Proteins

Nucleic Acids: 

Sub unit: nucleotides Macromolecules: DNA, RNA Function: The most commonly known nucleic acids, DNA and RNA, are used by the body’s cells to store and transmit information. DNA makes up the blueprints for all of the body’s proteins. RNA takes the blueprint from the nucleus and gives it to the protein factories to build the actual molecules. Source: Built of sugars, bases, and phosphate groups inside the body. Nucleic Acids

Organic vs. Inorganic: 

Organic molecules can be defined as any compound that contains carbon atoms in a covalent bond. Inorganic molecules do not contain carbon. All living things are based upon organic chemicals. All life on Earth is carbon based. Our carbohydrates, proteins, DNA, and lipids would not exist without carbon. Organic vs. Inorganic

Other essential atoms: 

Aside from carbon we also need, hydrogen, phosphorus, oxygen, and nitrogen to exist. Proteins require nitrogen. DNA requires phosphorus. All living organisms that perform respiration require oxygen. (this has nothing to do with breathing) Other essential atoms