Chemistry Concepts in Biology

Study Notes

Key chemistry concepts are essential for understanding complex biological systems
Atoms are the basic units of matter, composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons
Molecules are formed when two or more atoms bond together through covalent or ionic bonds
Covalent bonds form by sharing electrons between atoms, forming the basis of organic molecules (proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids)
Ionic bonds form when one atom donates an electron to another, creating charged ions that attract each other
Hydrogen bonds are weak attractions between polar molecules, crucial for the structure of water and biomolecules like DNA and proteins
Water's polar nature makes it an excellent solvent for many biochemical reactions
pH measures acidity/basicity; buffers help maintain specific pH levels in biological systems
Macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids) play crucial roles in biological systems

Proteins are composed of amino acids linked by peptide bonds; structure determines function
Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are polymers of nucleotides that store and transmit genetic information
Carbohydrates are made of sugar molecules, serving as energy sources and structural components
Lipids are diverse molecules including fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids; important for energy storage, membrane structure, and signaling

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions, lowering the activation energy
Enzymes have an active site for substrate binding and often exhibit specificity and regulation

Anabolic reactions build larger molecules, while catabolic reactions break down molecules for energy
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy carrier in cells

Oxidation and reduction reactions involve the transfer of electrons, playing critical roles in energy production and metabolism

Equilibrium is reached when the rates of forward and reverse reactions are equal
Le Chatelier's principle describes how systems at equilibrium respond to external changes (concentration, temperature, pressure) to maintain equilibrium

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms that confer distinct chemical properties to organic molecules

Covalent bonds form when atoms share one or more pairs of electrons (polar vs. nonpolar)
Ionic bonds form when one atom transfers one or more electrons to another, creating ions that attract each other

Biomolecules are essential organic molecules in biological systems, playing critical roles
Biomolecules include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids