Core - Anatomy and Physiology

Chapter 4

Biochemistry of the Cell

4.1 : Compounds Essential to Human Function

4.1 : Compounds Essential to Human Function

The human body is composed of cells that are fundamentally made up of several different molecules. These molecules are essential to carry out all ...

4.2 : Role of Water in Human Biology

4.2 : Role of Water in Human Biology

Water is the one of the most significant components of the human body; it plays a crucial role in several physiological activities because of its unique ...

4.3 : Introduction to Electrolytes

4.3 : Introduction to Electrolytes

In humans, electrolytes play a vital role in various physiological processes. Balancing electrolyte levels is essential for normal body functions; their ...

4.4 : pH Homeostasis

4.4 : pH Homeostasis

Acid-base homeostasis is essential for maintaining normal physiological activities in humans. The pH of various body fluids is strictly regulated because ...

4.5 : Overview of Functional Groups

4.5 : Overview of Functional Groups

Functional groups are a group of atoms with characteristic properties, which when linked to the carbon skeleton of a molecule, alter the properties of ...

4.6 : Introduction to Carbohydrates

4.6 : Introduction to Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are the primary macronutrients in the human diet. However, carbohydrates are the most favored source of energy in the ...

4.7 : Carbohydrate Metabolism

4.7 : Carbohydrate Metabolism

Carbohydrates are polymers composed of molecules containing atoms of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. One gram of carbohydrate can provide four kilo-calories ...

4.8 : Sugars as Energy Storage Molecules

4.8 : Sugars as Energy Storage Molecules

Sugar (a simple carbohydrate) metabolism (chemical reactions) is a classic example of the many cellular processes that use and produce energy. Living ...

4.9 : What are Lipids?

4.9 : What are Lipids?

Lipids function as structural components of cellular membranes, in addition to acting as energy reservoirs and signaling molecules. They are thus crucial ...

4.10 : Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body

4.10 : Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body

Fats and lipids are crucial components in the human body. Some lipid-derived compounds, such as fat-soluble vitamins, eicosanoids, lipoproteins, and ...

4.11 : Fats as Energy Storage Molecules

4.11 : Fats as Energy Storage Molecules

Triglycerides are a form of long-term energy storage molecules. They are made of glycerol and three fatty acids. To obtain energy from fat, triglycerides ...

4.12 : What are Proteins?

4.12 : What are Proteins?

Proteins are polymers of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Proteins and polypeptides are interchangeably used to refer to long chains of amino ...

4.13 : Protein Organization

4.13 : Protein Organization

Proteins are polymers of amino acid residues. They are versatile and responsible for different cellular functions, including DNA replication, molecular ...

4.14 : Globular Proteins

4.14 : Globular Proteins

In organisms, proteins are the most abundant macromolecules. They act as the building blocks of life and play various crucial roles in the body. Proteins ...

4.15 : Fibrous Proteins

4.15 : Fibrous Proteins

Fibrous proteins are either long and narrow proteins or assemble to form long and thin structures. They contain repetitive units and usually consist of ...

4.16 : Protein Denaturation

4.16 : Protein Denaturation

The function of proteins depends on their native three-dimensional structure, which is dictated by the amino acid sequence of the specific protein. ...

4.17 : Role of Proteins in the Human Body

4.17 : Role of Proteins in the Human Body

Proteins are the building block of life. They are also the most abundant macromolecules with as many diverse roles in the body. They are part of ...

4.18 : Introduction To Enzymes

4.18 : Introduction To Enzymes

The use of enzymes by humans dates to 7000 BCE. Humans first used enzymes to ferment sugars and produce alcohol without knowing that this was an ...

4.19 : Enzymes and Activation Energy

4.19 : Enzymes and Activation Energy

The activation energy (or free energy of activation), abbreviated as Ea, is the small amount of energy input necessary for all chemical reactions to ...

4.20 : Introduction to Mechanisms of Enzyme Catalysis

4.20 : Introduction to Mechanisms of Enzyme Catalysis

For many years, scientists thought that enzyme-substrate binding took place in a simple "lock-and-key" fashion. This model stated that the enzyme ...

4.21 : Nucleic Acids and Nucleotides

4.21 : Nucleic Acids and Nucleotides

Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and have instructions for its ...

4.22 : Nucleic Acid Structure

4.22 : Nucleic Acid Structure

The pentose sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, while in RNA the pentose sugar is ribose. The difference between the sugars is the presence of the hydroxyl group ...

4.23 : ATP Energy Storage and Release

4.23 : ATP Energy Storage and Release

ATP is a highly unstable molecule. Unless quickly used to perform work, ATP spontaneously dissociates into ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi), and the free ...

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