MBIO 2700 / Topic 1: Fundamentals

What does biochemistry explain?

Life in terms of atomic structures of biological molecules.

The biosphere contains more than __ different species ranging from single cells to complex animals. All life forms use ______ types of molecules and all share some common _______ features.

The biosphere contains more than 10⁶ different species ranging from single cells to complex animals. All life forms use common types of molecules and all share some common metabolic features.

Because evidence suggests that there is a common ancient ancestor, what created biodiversity?

Evolution - different species undergo selective pressures that force them to adapt.

From a biochemical standpoint, when evolution happens, do processes change and happen only within the same individual?

No, processes change and happen not only within one individual, it happens along with the environment.

What are the two conditions or parameters that cannot be controlled in biochemistry? What provides the control?

Temperature and pressure, which are variable, are controlled by enzymes.

Talk to me about enzymes.

• Generally, what type of molecules do enzymes belong to? On that note, what molecular units make them up?

• What do enzymes do?

> Usually, enzymes are proteins, which are made of amino acids.

> Catalyze/speed up biochemical processes. This is why they are specially made how they are made.

What is metabolism?

Network of all chemical reactions in a cell to carry out processes of life.

What are the two types of metabolic processes? Briefly define each and tell me where in our cells you find either.

Catabolism (get money)

> in mitochondria

> breaks complex molecules

> release energy

Anabolism (use money)

> in cytoplasm

> builds complex molecules

> requires energy

What is electronegativity?

Tendency of atoms to attract electrons within a molecule.

What are the two conditions or parameters to consider when dissolving in solution or into the cell? On that note, what determines if the cell will allow molecules to enter?

> Size + polarity.

> Soluble molecules to the cell membrane (CM) are small and non-polar.

Like _______ like.

Like dissolves like.

Biomolecule reactivity is found in functional groups that have ____ bonds.

Biomolecule reactivity is found in functional groups that have polar bonds.

Are C-H bonds and C-C bonds polar or non-polar? On that note, are they reactive?

They are essentially non-polar and tend to be non-reactive.

What are the five different types of biochemical transformation involving bond formation or bond breakage?

• Group transfer.

• Oxidation-reduction.

• Rearrangement.

• Cleavage.

• Condensation.

What’s one easy way to tell the difference between oxidation and reduction?

If a hydrogen is taken into the molecule, it’s called reduction. If it’s taken out of the molecule, it’s oxidation.

What’s the difference between cleavage and condensation in regard to how they are done and what molecule makes them happen?

> Cleavage = breaking molecules by bond via enzymes.

> Condensation = building molecules by bond via water.

True or false: Balance with everything is unnecessary, e.g. you drink too much water, you’ll be fine.

False. Balance is necessary, e.g. if you drink too much water, you die.

What degree of polarity do most of the molecules in our body have? Why is this good?

> Most biological molecules are polar.

> Water, which makes up most of our body, is also polar.

> Polar likes polar → water helps dissolve + transport them.

What are the three molecular forces we will be discussing in biochemistry? Rank them in increasing strength.

• Intermolecular force - hydrogen bonds. (Weakest)

• Intramolecular force - ionic bonds.

• Intramolecular force - covalent bonds. (Strongest)