Learning Objectives
By the end of this week, you should be able to:
Define biochemistry and explain its role in health sciences.
Identify and describe the four major classes of biomolecules: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Understand basic chemical bonds (covalent, hydrogen, ionic) and how they contribute to molecular structure.
Begin connecting molecular structures with their functions in biological systems.
Definition:
Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes within and related to living organisms. It combines biology and chemistry to understand cellular mechanisms.
Importance:
It provides insights into how biomolecules support life, how metabolic pathways function, and how disruptions in these processes can lead to diseases.
The Four Major Biomolecules
Carbohydrates
Function: Energy source and structural support.
Examples:
Glucose (energy),
starch (energy storage in plants),
glycogen (energy storage in animals),
cellulose (structural component in plants).
Proteins
Function: Catalysis (enzymes), structure, transport, signaling, and immune responses.
Examples: Enzymes, antibodies, hemoglobin.
Lipids
Function:
Energy storage,
cellular membrane structure,
signaling molecules.
Examples:
Triglycerides,
phospholipids,
cholesterol.
Nucleic Acids
Function: Storage and transmission of genetic information.
Examples:
DNA (genetic blueprint)
RNA (protein synthesis)
Basic Chemical Bonds
Covalent Bonds:
Strong bonds formed by the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.
Example: The bonds between carbon atoms in glucose.
Hydrogen Bonds:
: Weaker bonds important in determining the structure of water and biological molecules (e.g., secondary structure of proteins).
Ionic Bonds:
Description: Bonds formed by the attraction between oppositely charged ions.
Example: Salt (NaCl) formation.
3. Practice Questions
Level 1 (Basic Recall)
1. Definition & Importance:
• Define biochemistry. Why is it important in healthcare and medicine?
2. Biomolecule Identification:
• List the four major classes of biomolecules and one key function for each.
3. Bond Types:
• What type of bond links amino acids in a protein?
Level 2 (Application & Analysis)
4. Energy Storage Comparison:
• Explain why lipids are more efficient for long-term energy storage compared to carbohydrates.
5. Role of Water:
• Describe how hydrogen bonds contribute to the unique properties of water.
6. Cellular Impact:
• Predict the potential cellular effects if nucleic acids were damaged.
Level 3 (Critical Thinking & Integration)
7. Alternative Energy Sources:
• If a cell is deprived of carbohydrates, which biomolecule could be used for energy and what metabolic adjustments would be necessary?
8. Structural Variability:
• Given the molecular formula C6H12O6, discuss why this formula can represent different monosaccharides (e.g., glucose, fructose, galactose).
9. Homeostasis Integration:
• How do carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids work together to maintain homeostasis in a living organism?
• Videos & Lectures:
• Khan Academy Biochemistry Playlist – Offers clear explanations on biomolecules and chemical bonds.
• CrashCourse Biochemistry – Engaging video summaries on biochemistry fundamentals.
• Textbooks & Reading:
• Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry – Provides in-depth details on molecular structures and processes.
• Biochemistry for Dummies (or similar introductory texts) – For quick reviews and simplified explanations.
• Interactive Tools:
• Online molecule viewers (e.g., PubChem or Protein Data Bank) can help you explore 3D structures of molecules.
Use this guide as a roadmap for your study sessions this week. Work through the concepts, answer the questions, and refer to the additional resources to reinforce your understanding. Happy studying!