Biochemistry Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Biochemistry: Study of chemical composition and reactions of living matter.
• Inorganic Compounds: Water, salts, acids, bases—do not contain carbon.
• Organic Compounds: Contain carbon, hydrogen, and generally oxygen.

Organic Compounds

• Carbon: Electrically neutral, forms covalent bonds, unique to living systems.
• Macromolecules: Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates

• Function: Energy storage, structural material.
• Types:
  • Monosaccharides: Simple sugars (e.g., glucose).
  • Disaccharides: Two sugars (e.g., sucrose).
  • Polysaccharides: Many monosaccharides (e.g., glycogen).

Lipids

• Function: Energy storage, membrane formation, signaling (e.g., steroids).
• Types:
  • Triglycerides: Energy storage, insulation.
  • Phospholipids: Membrane structure.
  • Steroids: Hormones, cholesterol.

Proteins

• Function: Structure, enzymes, transport, defense.
• Structure Levels:
  • Primary: Amino acid sequence.
  • Secondary: Alpha helix, beta-pleated sheets.
  • Tertiary: 3D shape.
  • Quaternary: Multiple polypeptides.

Nucleic Acids

• Types: DNA, RNA.
• Structure: Made of nucleotides (sugar, phosphate, nitrogen base).

Chemical Reactions

• Dehydration Synthesis: Forms covalent bonds by removing water.
• Hydrolysis: Breaks down molecules by adding water.

Enzymes

• Function: Biological catalysts that speed up reactions.
• Structure: Active site binds to specific substrate.

ATP

• Role: Energy currency of the cell.
• Structure: Adenine, ribose, three phosphates.
• Function: Energy transfer via phosphate bonds.

Video Summary

• Four Biomolecules: Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids.
• Monomers: Monosaccharides, fatty acids/glycerol, amino acids, nucleotides.
• Functions and Examples: Carbs are energy sources, lipids for energy and membranes, proteins for muscle and enzymes, nucleic acids for genetic info.

Study Tips

• Mnemonic Device: CHO, CHO, CHON, CHOMP (Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus).
• Importance: Structure affects function; explore arrangements.