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UNIT 1: THE CHEMICAL BASIS OF LIFE
1C: BIOCHEMISTRY Part I
The Big Picture…
Science is a body of knowledge and skills acquired through systematic
experimentation and observation to describe natural phenomena; or, more simply,
it is a “way of knowing”. The process of science helps biologists investigate how
nature works at all levels. Living organisms are made of molecules that react with
each other in predictable ways. There are four main groups of biological
molecules that make up the structure of living things and control their functioning.
The structure (form) of molecules leads to their function. There is a great diversity
among living organisms yet there are similar characteristics that all organisms
share.
 What is the relationship between chemistry and biology?
 What does it mean to be ‘alive’?
 How can species change over time?
 What are the basic chemical principles that affect living things?
 How do the unique properties of water make life on earth possible? Why
is water so important to organisms?
 What role do biological molecules play in sustaining and controlling life?
 How do chemicals combine and break apart inside living things?
 How do enzymes control the rate of reactions?
 How does chemical structure lead to biological function?
Prerequisite Knowledge…You should:
 Explain that all matter is made of atoms, and give examples of common
elements – substances composed of just one kind of atom.
 Relate energy and nutritional needs of organisms in a variety of life stages
and situations, including stages of development, and periods of maintenance.
Suggested Resources…
Note Packet, Homework and Classwork Assignments
Laboratory Activities
Formative Assessments
Websites: www.webelements.com
Textbook – Biology (Miller and Levine, 2010) Section 2.3
The following information is found in your completed note packet.
By the conclusion of this unit, you should know the following:
1) Molecules are only considered to be organic if they contain both Carbon
and Hydrogen; all other molecules are considered to be inorganic.
2) There are four main elements in the molecules that make up the bulk of
living organisms (HONC).
3) There are four major classes of biological molecules (carbohydrates, lipids,
proteins and nucleic acids), most of which are nutritionally supplied, that
have specific structures relating to their functions.
4) All living things get the energy they need from food.
5) Many organic compounds are polymers composed of monomers.
6) Indicators can be used to identify the presence of the four major categories
of organic compounds in food.
7) Biological molecules form through dehydration synthesis and break down
through hydrolysis.
8) ATP can easily release and store energy by breaking and reforming the
bonds between its phosphate groups. This characteristic of ATP makes it
exceptionally useful as a basic energy source for all cells.
9) The functions of organic molecules are dependent upon their form
(structure). If this form is lost or disrupted, the function of the molecule
will likely change.
The following are prompts (questions) to help prepare you
for the application of the material you learn this unit.
By the conclusion of this unit, you should be able to do the following:
Differentiate between organic and inorganic compounds.
What is the difference between organic compounds and inorganic
compounds? How can you classify organic and inorganic compounds?
Name and Describe the structure and functions and nutritional sources of
carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids, including their monomer
and polymer units.
What are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids made of
(atoms and molecules)? How are the atoms arranged in these molecules?
What are the monomers of carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acids?
What are the polymers of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic
acids? What is the function (job) of these structures?
Identify various components of organic compounds using chemical
indicator solutions.
In lab (virtual or live), can you use indicator solutions to determine the
presence of sugars, starches, lipids, and proteins?
Describe the reactions (dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis) that are used
to build and break down the four major classes of organic molecules
(carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids).
What happens to molecules of carbohydrates, lipids proteins and nucleic
acids during dehydration synthesis?
What happens to molecules of carbohydrates, lipids proteins and nucleic
acids during hydrolysis?
Why do molecules undergo dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis?
Distinguish between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.
What is the difference between saturated fatty acids and unsaturated
fatty acids? Can you tell the difference between structural formulas of
saturated and unsaturated fatty acids?
Describe carbohydrate and lipid molecules that can be used by organisms
for energy.
How do organisms utilize carbohydrates and lipids for energy?
Explain what ATP is, how it is produced, and describe its importance in
cell activities.
What is ATP? What process produces ATP? Why do organisms need
ATP?
Discuss the role of water in dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis reactions.
Is water produced as a result of dehydration synthesis or hydrolysis?
Is water a reactant in dehydration synthesis or hydrolysis?
Why is water such an important molecule in chemical reactions?
Basic Chemistry Vocabulary
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Words Found in the Glossary
1) Carbohydrates:
2) Lipids:
3) Proteins:
4) Nucleic Acids:
5) Monomer:
6) Polymer:
7) Monosaccharides:
8) DNA:
9) RNA:
10) Nuclceotides:
11) ATP:
12) Amino Acid:
13) Polypeptide:
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Words NOT Found in the Glossary (but may be within the textbook)
14) Inorganic:
15) Organic:
16) Hydrolysis:
17) Dehydration Synthesis:
18) Galactose, Fructose, Ribose:
19) Dimer:
20) Sucrose:
21) Lactose:
22) Disaccharides:
23) Simple Sugars:
24) Polysaccharides:
25) Cellulose:
26) Starch:
27) Glycogen:
28) Glucose:
29) Fats:
30) Oils:
31) Phospholipids:
32) Triglycerides:
33) Steroids:
34) Unsaturated fatty acids:
35) Saturated fatty acids:
36) Hydroxyl/carboxyl groups:
37) Peptide bond: