Chemistry
Made by Julia Peña
1. Introduction to Organic Compounds
• Organic chemistry studies carbon-based compounds, essential for life and industry.
• Organic compounds are found in biological processes (e.g., metabolism, DNA) and industrial
applications (e.g., pharmaceuticals, polymers).
• Carbon’s ability to form chains, rings, and complex structures allows for diverse biomolecules.
2. Biochemistry and Biomolecules
2.1 Biochemistry Overview
• Biochemistry studies chemical processes in living organisms.
• Metabolism: Transformation of biochemical compounds.
o Catabolism: Breakdown of molecules for energy.
o Anabolism: Synthesis of complex molecules.
2.2 Organic and Inorganic Biomolecules
• Inorganic biomolecules: Water (50-95% of cell weight), ions (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+), gases
(O₂, CO₂).
• Organic biomolecules:
o Carbohydrates: Glucose, starch, cellulose.
o Lipids: Triglycerides, cholesterol.
o Proteins: Hemoglobin, enzymes.
o Nucleic acids: DNA, RNA.
o Metabolites: Pyruvic acid, lactic acid.
• Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Dx7LDwINLU
2.3 Functional Groups and Chemical Bonds
• Functional Groups: Atoms/groups giving specific properties to molecules.
• Chemical Bonds:
o Covalent Bond (strongest, common in biomolecules).
o Ionic Bond (transfer of electrons, forms charged ions).
• Primary Bioelements: C, H, O, N, P, S (make up 99% of living
matter).
3. Biomolecules Structure and Function
3.1 Carbohydrates
• Monosaccharides: Simple sugars (glucose, fructose).
• Disaccharides: Two monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds (sucrose,
lactose).
• Polysaccharides: Long chains of monosaccharides (starch, glycogen, cellulose).
• Functions:
o Energy storage: Starch (plants), glycogen (animals).
o Structural support: Cellulose (plants), chitin (arthropods).
o Metabolism: Photosynthesis and respiration cycle.
• Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQyWJIn1HYE
3.2 Proteins
• Composed of 20 amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
• Structure levels:
o Primary: Amino acid sequence.
o Secondary: α-helix, β-sheet structures (hydrogen bonding).
o Tertiary: 3D folding, functional proteins.
o Quaternary: Multiple polypeptides forming a complex.
• Functions:
o Structural (keratin, collagen).
o Enzymes (catalysts for reactions).
o Transport (hemoglobin).
o Hormones (insulin).
o Immune response (antibodies).
• Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hok2hyED9go
3.3 Lipids
• Hydrophobic molecules, essential for cell membranes and energy storage.
• Types:
o Fats and Oils: Triglycerides (glycerol + fatty acids).
o Phospholipids: Major component of cell membranes (hydrophilic
head, hydrophobic tail).
o Steroids: Cholesterol, hormones (testosterone, estrogen).
o Waxes: Protective coating in plants and animals.
• Fatty Acids:
o Saturated (solid at room temperature, e.g., butter).
o Unsaturated (liquid at room temperature, e.g., olive oil).
o Essential fatty acids: Omega-3 and Omega-6 (from diet).
• Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ExVXeovB6s
3.4 Nucleic Acids
• DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid):
o Stores genetic information.
o Double helix structure (A-T, G-C base pairing).
• RNA (Ribonucleic Acid):
o Single-stranded, aids in protein synthesis.
o Messenger RNA (mRNA), Transfer RNA (tRNA), Ribosomal
RNA (rRNA).
• Nucleotides:
o Purines: Adenine (A), Guanine (G).
o Pyrimidines: Cytosine (C), Thymine (T) (in DNA), Uracil (U) (in RNA).
Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQByjprj_mA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA-
ouz1LtpM
4. Enzymes and Their Role
• Definition: Proteins that speed up chemical reactions without being
consumed.
• Mechanism:
o Substrate binds to the enzyme’s active site.
o Reaction occurs, converting the substrate into products.
o Enzyme remains unchanged, ready to act again.
• Models of Enzyme Action:
o Lock and Key Model: Rigid fit between enzyme and substrate.
o Induced Fit Model: Enzyme adjusts its shape to fit the
substrate.
• Enzyme Classification:
o Oxidoreductases: Redox reactions.
o Hydrolases: Break molecules using water.
o Ligases: Join molecules using ATP.
o Isomerases: Rearrange molecules.
Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgVFkRn8f10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EDBlowVST0
5. Organic Compounds in Industry
5.1 Soap and Detergents
• Soap production (Saponification):
o Triglycerides react with NaOH or KOH to produce soap and glycerin.
o Salting out: Soap separates from water.
o Types:
▪ Hard soap (bar).
▪ Soft soap (liquid).
▪ Medicated soap (antiseptic properties).
• Detergents:
o Made of synthetic surfactants.
o More effective than soap in hard water.
o Environmental effects:
▪ Eutrophication (excess phosphorus harming aquatic life).
▪ Foam formation reducing oxygen levels in water.
o Biodegradable detergents reduce pollution.
• Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vppFkXW7Dt8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8qxdohEmYA
5.2 Pharmaceutical Industry
• Antibiotics:
o Penicillin: First antibiotic (from Penicillium fungus).
o Tetracycline, streptomycin: Bacterial origin.
• Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7dTM7nLw1Q
• Hormones:
o Insulin production via recombinant DNA technology.
• Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6TX3WYJ02w&t=37s
• Vitamins:
o Water-soluble (Vitamin B, C).
o Fat-soluble (Vitamin A, D, E, K).
• Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FpcDSpDW_w
• Analgesics and Anesthetics:
o Pain relievers: Aspirin, paracetamol.
o Anesthetics: Lidocaine, propofol.
5.3 Agrochemical Industry
• Pesticides:
o Herbicides (weed control).
o Insecticides (kills pests).
o Fungicides (prevents fungal infections).
• Fertilizers:
o Provide essential nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium).
o Improve crop yield and quality.
• Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOEusBA6G04
5.4 Polymers and Their Applications
• Polymers: Large molecules made of repeating units (monomers).
• Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP0zfm_FVqc
• Types:
o Natural Polymers: Proteins, DNA, starch, cellulose.
o Synthetic Polymers: Plastics (PVC, nylon, polyester).
• Uses:
o Medical: Biodegradable sutures, prosthetics.
o Automotive: Lightweight components.
o Construction: Pipes, insulation materials.
• Environmental Concerns:
o Plastic waste accumulation.
o Low recycling rates.
o Solutions:
▪ Biodegradable plastics (PLA, PHA).
▪ Increased recycling efforts
