Biochemistry 1: General Overview and Amino Acids

Biochemistry 1: General Overview

• Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of life, coined by Neuberg in 1903
• Includes the study of the chemical composition of living matter and the processes sustaining life
• Biochemistry overlaps biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, physiology, and pharmacology
• Key issues include the structure of biomolecules, interaction between molecules, biosynthesis/degradation of molecules, energy conservation, and biological organization

Amino Acid Chemistry

• Amino acids are organic compounds with both an amino group (-NH₂) and a carboxyl group (-COOH)
• They are the building blocks of proteins, comprising about two-thirds of the cell's total dry weight
• 20 standard amino acids are the primary components of most proteins
• Amino acids differ in their side chains (R groups), determining their properties
• The alpha (α) carbon is asymmetric, bonded to a hydrogen atom, a carboxyl group, an amino group, and a variable R group
• Amino acids exist in zwitterionic forms at physiological pH

Classification of Amino Acids

• Based on polarity and chemical structure of their side chains (hydrophobic, polar, and charged groups)
• Based on catabolic end products (glucogenic, ketogenic)
• Based on biosynthetic precursors (e.g. X-ketoglutarate, oxaloacetate, pyruvate)
• Based on nutritional importance (essential vs. nonessential)

Explore the fascinating world of biochemistry, focusing on the chemical processes that sustain life. This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of amino acids, their structure, and their role as building blocks of proteins. Dive into the key interactions and organizational principles underlying biomolecules in living organisms.