Biochemistry and Organic Compounds Overview

What is biochemistry?

The study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms.

What are proteins and what functional groups do they contain?

Proteins are large biomolecules made up of amino acids, containing functional groups such as amino (-NH2) and carboxyl (-COOH).

How are proteins made?

Proteins are synthesized through the process of translation, where ribosomes assemble amino acids into polypeptide chains based on mRNA sequences.

What are some examples of proteins?

Examples include enzymes, antibodies, and structural proteins like collagen.

What are carbohydrates and what functional groups do they contain?

Carbohydrates are organic compounds made of sugar molecules, containing hydroxyl (-OH) groups.

How are carbohydrates made?

Carbohydrates are produced through photosynthesis in plants, converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose.

What is the sweetest naturally occurring sugar?

Fructose is the sweetest naturally occurring sugar.

What sugar is formed during photosynthesis?

Glucose is the sugar formed during photosynthesis.

What are starch, glycogen, and cellulose?

Starch is a storage form of glucose in plants, glycogen is a storage form in animals, and cellulose is a structural component of plant cell walls.

What is the most abundant organic compound on Earth?

Cellulose is the most abundant organic compound on Earth.

What are fats and what functional groups do they contain?

Fats are lipids made from glycerol and fatty acids, containing carboxyl (-COOH) groups in fatty acids.

How are fats made?

Fats are formed through the process of esterification, where glycerol reacts with fatty acids.

What are some examples of fats?

Examples include triglycerides, phospholipids, and sterols.

What are the energy contents of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats?

Proteins and carbohydrates provide about 4 calories per gram, while fats provide about 9 calories per gram.

How do fats from mammals or birds differ from fats from plants and fish?

Fats from mammals and birds are typically saturated, while fats from plants and fish are usually unsaturated.

How is margarine formed?

Margarine is formed by hydrogenating vegetable oils to solidify them.

How is soap made?

Soap is made through saponification, a reaction between fats and an alkali.

How does soap work?

Soap works by emulsifying oils and dirt, allowing them to be washed away with water.

What is soap scum and how does it form?

Soap scum is a residue formed when soap reacts with minerals in hard water.

How do detergents differ from soaps?

Detergents are synthetic surfactants that work in hard water and do not form scum like soap.

What is a functional group in organic chemistry?

A functional group is a specific group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of that molecule.

What does the symbol R mean in organic chemistry?

The symbol R represents a hydrocarbon chain or a substituent group in organic molecules.

What is the general formula of an alkyl halide?

The general formula is CnH2n+1X, where X is a halogen (F, Cl, Br, I).

What are some examples and properties of alkyl halides?

Examples include chloroform and bromoethane; they are often used as solvents and have varying boiling points.

What is the general formula of an alcohol?

The general formula is CnH2n+1OH.

What are some examples and properties of alcohols?

Examples include ethanol and methanol; they are polar and can form hydrogen bonds.

What is the general formula of an amine?

The general formula is R-NH2, R2-NH, or R3-N.

What are some examples and properties of amines?

Examples include methylamine and aniline; they are basic and can form hydrogen bonds.

What is the general formula of a carboxylic acid?

The general formula is R-COOH.

What are some examples and properties of carboxylic acids?

Examples include acetic acid and citric acid; they are acidic and can donate protons.

What is the general formula of an ester?

The general formula is RCOOR'.

What are some examples and properties of esters?

Examples include ethyl acetate and butyl acetate; they are often fragrant and used in flavorings.

What is the general formula of an amide?

The general formula is RCONH2.

What are some examples and properties of amides?

Examples include acetamide; they are typically less reactive than esters.

What are synthetic compounds?

Synthetic compounds are man-made chemical substances created through chemical reactions.

What are monomers and polymers?

Monomers are small, repeating units that bond together to form polymers.

What are the two broad classes of polymers?

The two classes are addition polymers and condensation polymers.

What are some common examples of addition polymers?

Examples include polyethylene and polystyrene.

What are some common examples of condensation polymers?

Examples include nylon and polyester.

Are there naturally occurring polymers?

Yes, examples include proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides.

What is the resin identification code?

The resin identification code is a number that indicates the type of plastic and its recyclability.