Download Intro to Biochem - Lighthouse Christian Academy

All biological matter is made up of atoms & compounds
____________________________________________
and is able to function the way it does because of the
energy stored in chemical bonds.
See p.2 Biochemistry CD
The understanding the basic chemistry of life is
vital to a full comprehension of biology.
Carbon is so important to biochemistry because all
________________________________
known life forms are associated with and depend on
reactions involving carbon.
Carbon containing molecules
All __________________________
are therefore
known as ______________
molecules (this excludes
ORGANIC
oxides of carbon such as CO2, CO, and HCO3).
Small and light
Four bonding electrons = tetrahedron shape
Can form single, double, or triple bonds with
other atoms to form compounds
Can form long chains or rings
Carbon is very common!
•Carbon compounds work the way they do because
of their functional groups.
•Functional groups are usually the part involved in
reactions.
•Functional groups have constant properties, and
there are five that concern us.
HYDROXIDE GROUP
Properties:
These are the alcohols. They absorb hydrogen
ions = BASIC. OH- + H+  H2O
CARBOXYL GROUP
Properties:
Can donate Hydrogen ions = ACID
Joins with amino groups to form peptide bonds
in proteins
AMINE GROUP
Properties:
These are the amines.
Amines are found in all amino acids, and join
with carboxyl groups to make protein chains.
SULFHYDRYL Group
Properties:
These are the thiols.
They help to form sulfur bridges in proteins,
and thus help give shape to proteins.
PHOSPHATE Group
Properties:
Due to symmetry and ‘rotating’ double bond, it
is ideal for energy transfer reactions
Cellular Respiration (creating ATP).
Also found in the backbone of DNA and RNA.