General Biochemistry Quiz

Introduction to Biochemistry

• Biochemistry combines the study of life (bio) and chemical interactions (chemistry) to understand the processes in living organisms.
• Emerged in the early 20th century through the integration of chemistry, biology, and physiology.
• Focuses on the study of complex biological molecules and their interactions in forming cells, tissues, and organisms.
• Aims to explain all chemical processes of living cells in molecular terms, including structure-function relationships, metabolism, and regulation.

Course Content Overview

• Key topics include Carbohydrates, Lipids, Amino Acids and Proteins, Enzymes, Nucleic Acids, Vitamins, and Minerals.

Basics of Chemistry: Atoms

• The atom is the smallest unit of any element.
• Each atom has a positive nucleus surrounded by negatively charged electrons.
• Elements are classified on the Periodic Table.
• Essential elements in the human body include:
  • Oxygen (65%), Carbon (18%), Hydrogen (10%), Nitrogen (3%), Calcium (1.5%), Phosphorus (1%), and trace amounts of others like Iron, Zinc, and Selenium.

Water Chemistry

• Water is the most abundant chemical in the body and is crucial for life.
• Small size of water molecules allows rapid movement and accessibility to small spaces.
• Water is polar, allowing it to dissolve charged molecules effectively, earning it the title of Universal Solvent.
• Functions as a buffer, maintaining stable pH by acting as both an acid and a base.
• High heat capacity enables water to absorb and retain heat, helping regulate body temperature.

Macromolecules Overview

• Macromolecules are very large structures crucial for body composition, constructed from smaller monomers.
• Polymers are long chains of monomers.

Types of Macromolecules

• Carbohydrates

  • Monomer: Monosaccharide (sugar)
  • Polymer: Polysaccharide (starch)
  • Structure consists of carbon rings with attached oxygen and hydrogen (CH₂O).
  • Role includes energy storage and providing plant structure, with examples like sucrose and cellulose.

• Lipids

  • Monomer: Fatty acid
  • Polymer: Lipid or fat
  • Composed of long carbon chains attached to a glycerol molecule.
  • Functions include energy storage, structural components, and insulation.

• Proteins

  • Monomer: Amino acid (20 types)
  • Polymer: Protein or polypeptide
  • Central carbon atom bonded to hydrogen, amino, carboxyl, and R groups.
  • Serves structural roles and facilitates communication between cells, with examples including skin proteins and enzymes.

• Nucleic Acids

  • Monomer: Nucleotide
  • Polymer: Nucleic acid
  • Structure includes a 5-carbon sugar bonded to a nitrogen base and phosphate group.
  • Responsible for genetic information storage with examples being DNA and RNA.

ATP: The Energy Currency

• ATP stands for Adenosine Triphosphate, functioning as a rechargeable energy source for cells.
• Composed of adenine and three phosphate groups, energy is stored in the bond between the second and third phosphates.
• Breaking this bond releases significant energy, which can be reused by reassembling the components.

Enzymes

• Special proteins that accelerate chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required to initiate reactions.
• Each enzyme exhibits specificity, functioning like a lock-and-key, where a specific enzyme is needed for a particular reaction.
• Factors influencing enzyme activity include temperature, pH, and enzyme concentration, with optimal conditions required for efficiency.