biochemistry intro

macromolecules

large biological molecules that are comprised of atoms bonded together

basic structure monomers

C,H,O,N and P,S

functional groups

the carbons and hydrogens that make up the skeletons and special groups of atoms (ex. - OH hydroxyl groups)

Hydroxyl functional group

A functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (-OH), characteristic of alcohols.

Aldehydes functional group

A functional group characterized by a carbon atom bonded to a hydrogen atom and double-bonded to an oxygen atom (-CHO), commonly found at the end of molecules.

Keto functional group

A functional group characterized by a carbon atom that is double-bonded to an oxygen atom (C=O) and is flanked by two other carbon atoms, usually found in the middle of the carbon chain.

Carboxyl functional group

A functional group characterized by a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and also bonded to a hydroxyl group (-COOH), commonly found in organic acids.

amino functional group

a functional group characterized by a nitrogen atom bonded to one or more hydrogen atoms (-NH2), commonly found in amino acids and amines

phosphate functional group

a functional group characterized by a phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, one of which is double bonded and the other three are negatively charged (-PO4), commonly found in nucleotides and ATP.

sulfhydryl functional group

a functional group characterized by a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (-SF), which can form disulfide bonds and is found in some amino acids like cysteine

types of bonds

covalent, ionic, hydrogen, van der Waals forces

covalent bond

a type of chemical bond where two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons, creating a strong and stable connection between them. (strongest bond type)

non-polar

electrons are shared equally

polar

electrons are shared unequally, relies on electronegativity

electronegativity

the attractive force that an atom exerts on electrons; determined by the number of protons in an atom and the distance of the electrons from the nucleus

oxidation

loss of one or more electrons

reduction

a gain of one or more electrons

ion

charged particle that forms when an atom either loses or gains electrons through ionic bond

cation

positively charged ion

anion

negatively charged ion

van der waals forces

transient, brief interactions between non-polar molecules due to random variations in electron distribution (weakest bond)

hydrogen bonding

interaction between H atom that is covalently bonded to an electronegative atom (O,N) with the un-bonded electrons of a second electronegative atom (O,N)

strength of hydrogen bonds

stronger than van der waals but weaker than covalent and ionic, always involving a hydrogen atom