Download Biochemistry

Introduction to Biochemistry
Chemistry and Living Things
Large molecules support cell
functions
• In living things, there are four main types
of large molecules:
– Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids
• Made of smaller repeating units
• All contain carbon atoms.
Each macromolecule is a polymer made
of unique monomers
Carbohydrates
• Provide the cell with
energy
• Sugars bonded
together into larger
carbohydrate
molecules
• Inside cells, the
sugar molecules are
broken down. This
releases energy.
Lipids
• Fats, oils, and
waxes
• Cannot mix with
water
• Used by cells for:
– energy
– Support and
structure
• Cellular
membrane: lipid
bilayer
Proteins
• Amino acids join
together into longer
chains
• Order of amino acids
that determines the
function of the protein
• Your body gets amino
acids from proteins in
food.
• Enzymes
– Control chemical
reactions
Nucleic Acids
• 2 Types
– DNA
– RNA
• Hold instructions
for maintenance,
growth, and
reproduction
• Made of smaller
units called
nucleotides
Macromolecule Stations
• In the groups you are sitting in, decide which
individual will collect information about which
molecule (there are only four, so two people
might be doing the same one).
• Once decided, those individuals will go to their
respective macromolecule station and fill in the
chart.
• Tomorrow, the individuals will report back to
their group with the information they
collected.
Macromolecule Stations
• Today you will be reporting back to your groups the
information you collected yesterday. Be sure you
get every piece of information that you can.
DO NOW
• Take out water lab from yesterday.
• Open your notebook ready to take notes.
• Reminders:
– Extra Credit Due Thursday
– Water Lab due Friday
Two-thirds of every cell is water
• All of the chemical reactions inside the cell
take place in water.
• A water molecule consists of two atoms of
hydrogen bonded to one atom of oxygen
(H2O).
• Water molecule has a slight positive charge
near the hydrogen atoms and a slight negative
charge near the oxygen atoms.
Water is polar
Living things are made mostly of….
Water is the Universal Solvent
• Many substances
dissolve in water, but
not all
– Lipids, like oil
• Most lipids do not dissolve in water
• Cell membranes are made up of
lipids
• Two parts:
– Water-loving head
– Water-hating tails