Introduction
Living organisms should be able to transform matter and
energy into different forms, show response to changes in
their environment and show growth and reproduction. All
living organisms undergo changes due to large organic
compounds called macromolecules. Four main types of
macromolecules control all activities. They are
proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and lipids.
What is Biochemistry?
Molecules belong to different chemical groups based on their
affinity for water. Hydrophobic groups � they can not form hydrogen
with water. Ex: Hydrocarbons. Hydrophilic groups � they are
attracted to the charges within water. They can form hydrogen bonds
with water. Amphipathic groups � have both polar and non polar
groups. Ex: Hydrocarbon chain is non polar and carboxyl group is
polar.
Biochemical compounds
There are four major classes of biochemical compounds -
Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. In carbohydrates,
sugar units are connected together by �glycosidic bonds�. Lipids are
insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. All proteins are
composed of amino acids which are connected by a peptide bond. There
are 20 amino acids. Nucleic acids are composed of nucleotides.
Major types of biochemical reactions
Oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, Phosphorolysis, Decarboxylation,
deamination and transamination are the major biochemical reactions.
Oxidation is the loss of electrons. Reduction is the gain of
electrons. Hydrolysis is the chemical process in which a molecule is
cleaved into two parts by the addition of a water molecule.
Phosphorolysis is the splitting of a bond by the addition of
phosphoric acid to a compound. Decarboxylation is the loss of carbon
dioxide. Deamination is the removal of amino group. Transamination
is the transfer of amino group from one molecule to another.
Common Abbreviations
Abbreviations of amino acids, coenzymes, enzymes, nucleic acids have
been listed.
How to study biochemistry
The various methods to study biochemistry are � summarize, forming a
study group, question-answer sessions with batch mates, practice
drawing the biochemical structures to recollect during exams.
|
