Chapter 1 Introduction to Biochemistry Macromolecules What is Biochemistry In simple terms Biochemistry is the language of life It is the science that studies the molecules found in living cells and the chemical reactions they undergo Think of it as the bridge between biology and chemistry It explains how inanimate molecules like water and minerals interact to maintain life It s also deeply connected to medicine when our body s biochemical reactions are balanced we are healthy When there is an abnormality in these reactions disease occurs The Building Blocks Macromolecules The cell is the basic unit of life and it is made up of water small molecules and four major types of Macromolecules 1 Carbohydrates The Energy Source Carbohydrates are like the fuel for our bodies They are made of a carbon backbone and many polar groups OH which makes them soluble in water Monomers Simple sugars like Glucose and Ribose Polymers Large chains called Polysaccharides like starch or glycogen Function They release energy and provide structural support like in plant cell walls 2 Proteins The Doers Proteins are the most complex molecules in the cell They do almost everything Structure They are chains of Amino Acids linked by Peptide Bonds Components Every amino acid has a central carbon a carboxyl group an amino group and a unique R side chain Key Type Enzymes are a special class of proteins that act as catalysts speeding up chemical reactions in our bodies 3 Lipids The Barriers Storage Lipids are unique because they are not polymers They are mostly made of hydrocarbons which means they don t like water insoluble Types Fats oils phospholipids and cholesterol Function Because they hate water they are perfect for building Cell Membranes They also store a massive amount of chemical energy 4 Nucleic Acids The Blueprint These are the largest macromolecules in the cell Structure Long polymers called Polynucleotides made of Nucleotides Sugar Phosphate Nitrogenous Base Types DNA Stores the genetic information we inherit RNA Helps translate that information into proteins Summary table Main function Energy structure Catalysis Enzymes structure Membrane Energy storge Genetic information Basic Unit Monomer Monosaccharides sugars Amino Acids Macromolecules Carbohydrates Proteins Fatty Acids Glycerol Lipids Nucleotides Nucleic