Biochemistry and Physical Chemistry Overview

Definition: Study of chemical processes within and related to living organisms.
Key Components:
- Proteins: Made of amino acids; functions include enzymes, structure, transport.
- Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA; responsible for genetic information and protein synthesis.
- Carbohydrates: Sugars and starches; provide energy and structural support.
- Lipids: Fats and oils; important for cell membranes and energy storage.
Metabolism:
- Catabolism: Breakdown of molecules to obtain energy.
- Anabolism: Synthesis of all compounds needed by the cells.

Definition: Study of how matter behaves on a molecular and atomic level and how chemical reactions occur.
Key Concepts:
- Thermodynamics: Study of energy changes; laws include conservation of energy and entropy.
- Kinetics: Rates of chemical reactions; factors affecting rates include temperature and concentration.
- Quantum Chemistry: Describes the behavior of matter on an atomic scale using quantum mechanics.
- Electrochemistry: Study of chemical processes that involve the movement of electrons.

Definition: Study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and synthesis of carbon-containing compounds.
Key Features:
- Functional Groups: Specific groups of atoms that dictate the characteristics and reactions of organic molecules (e.g., -OH for alcohols, -COOH for carboxylic acids).
- Isomerism: Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures (structural isomers, stereoisomers).
- Reactions: Key types include substitution, addition, elimination, and rearrangement.
- Polymers: Large molecules made from repeating units (monomers); examples include plastics and proteins.

Definition: Study of inorganic compounds, typically those that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds.
Key Areas:
- Coordination Compounds: Complexes formed between metal ions and ligands.
- Main Group Elements: Elements from groups 1, 2, and 13-18; important for understanding reactivity and properties.
- Transition Metals: Elements in the d-block; known for their variable oxidation states and colored compounds.
- Solid State Chemistry: Study of the synthesis, structure, and properties of solid phase materials.

Definition: Science of obtaining, processing, and interpreting chemical data.
Methods:
- Qualitative Analysis: Identifying the components of a substance.
- Quantitative Analysis: Determining the amount or concentration of a substance.
Techniques:
- Chromatography: Separation of mixtures based on differential affinities.
- Spectroscopy: Study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation (e.g., UV-Vis, IR, NMR).
- Mass Spectrometry: Technique for measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of ions; useful for determining molecular weights and structures.
Applications: Quality control, environmental analysis, forensic science, and pharmaceuticals.

Study of chemical processes within living organisms and their relation to life.
Proteins serve various functions including catalyzing reactions (enzymes), providing structural support, and facilitating transport.
Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) carry genetic information and are crucial for protein synthesis.
Carbohydrates, encompassing sugars and starches, are primary sources of energy and serve structural roles.
Lipids include fats and oils; essential for forming cell membranes and energy storage.
Metabolism categorized into:
- Catabolism: Energy-releasing breakdown of larger molecules.
- Anabolism: Energy-consuming synthesis of necessary cellular compounds.

Focuses on matter's behavior at molecular and atomic levels and the mechanisms of chemical reactions.
Thermodynamics examines energy changes, governed by principles like energy conservation and entropy.
Kinetics investigates the rates of chemical reactions influenced by temperature and concentration.
Quantum chemistry applies quantum mechanics principles to describe atomic behavior.
Electrochemistry explores chemical processes related to electron movement.

Concentrates on the study of carbon-containing compounds, their structures, properties, and reactions.
Functional groups define the chemical characteristics and reactions of organic molecules (e.g., hydroxyl group -OH signifies alcohols, carboxyl group -COOH indicates carboxylic acids).
Isomerism involves compounds sharing the same molecular formula yet differing in structure, including structural and stereoisomers.
Key reactions in organic chemistry include substitution, addition, elimination, and rearrangement.
Polymers are large molecules made from repeating subunits called monomers, with examples like plastics and proteins.

Encompasses the study of inorganic compounds, usually excluding those with carbon-hydrogen bonds.
Coordination compounds consist of metal ions bonded to ligands, important in understanding chemical behavior.
Main group elements (groups 1, 2, and 13-18) are critical for comprehending reactivity and characteristic properties.
Transition metals reside in the d-block of the periodic table, noted for diverse oxidation states and the formation of colored compounds.
Solid state chemistry involves the synthesis, structure, and analysis of materials in solid form.

Focuses on the methods for acquiring, processing, and interpreting chemical data.
Qualitative analysis identifies the components within a substance.
Quantitative analysis measures the amount or concentration of substances present.
Techniques include:
- Chromatography: separates mixtures based on differing affinities for stationary and mobile phases.
- Spectroscopy: analyzes interactions between matter and electromagnetic radiation (includes methods like UV-Vis, IR, and NMR).
- Mass spectrometry: measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions, aiding in determining molecular weights and structures.
Applications span quality control, environmental monitoring, forensic investigations, and pharmaceuticals.