7: Chemistry of Life and Green Chemistry
- Page ID
- 285315
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)“A microscopic cell of photosynthetic cyanobacteria constitutes a complex of chemical factories that carry out a multitude of biochemical processes. Powered by solar energy and operating under ambient conditions, these organisms take carbon dioxide and nitrogen from air and simple inorganic ions dissolved in water and make all the life molecules they need for their metabolism and reproduction. In eons past these kinds of organisms generated all of the oxygen that is in Earth’s atmosphere. For all their knowledge of chemistry it would be impossible for humans to reproduce the chemical processes of these remarkable bacteria”
- 7.1: Green Biochemistry
- This page explores the significance of biochemistry in understanding chemical processes in living organisms, emphasizing sustainability through mild conditions and natural materials. It highlights the role of organisms like cyanobacteria in producing vital resources and underscores biochemistry's contributions to green chemistry and environmental safety.
- 7.2: Biochemistry and the Cells
- This page discusses the role of cells in biochemical processes, highlighting single-celled organisms, like bacteria, and multicellular organisms with specialized functions. It distinguishes between prokaryotic cells, which lack a nucleus, and eukaryotic cells, which contain a nucleus. The structure of different cells, such as muscle and bone cells, influences biomaterials. Cyanobacteria are noted as an example of prokaryotic cells that carry out vital biochemical functions independently.
- 7.3: Carbohydrates
- This page discusses carbohydrates, consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with glucose as a key example. They can form polysaccharides like starch and cellulose; starch is digestible and provides energy, while cellulose is indigestible for humans but can be broken down by some animals and microorganisms. Carbohydrates are vital for energy production and can be transformed into other organic materials, highlighting their significance in green chemistry and renewable energy.
- 7.4: Proteins
- This page explains that proteins, formed from amino acids via peptide linkages, have essential three-dimensional structures for their diverse functions, ranging from structural to regulatory roles. It highlights the importance of fibrous and globular proteins, with glycoproteins like collagen offering structural support.
- 7.5: Lipids - Fats, Oils, and Hormones
- This page discusses lipids as hydrophobic biomolecules, primarily made up of glycerol and fatty acids, forming structures like triglycerides and steroids. It highlights their essential roles in hormone regulation and gene expression, their significance in green chemistry, and their use as renewable fuels, such as biodiesel.
- 7.6: Nucleic Acids
- This page discusses the essential roles of nucleic acids, DNA and RNA, in storing and transmitting genetic information for reproduction and protein synthesis. DNA mainly resides in the nucleus, while RNA operates throughout the cell. Both are composed of nucleotides. DNA's double helix structure enables replication and transcription into RNA.
- 7.7: Enzymes
- This page highlights the importance of enzymes in green chemistry for efficient reactions and waste reduction. It covers enzyme immobilization techniques, like adsorption and biofilm formation with living microorganisms, which enhance reuse and support applications like wastewater treatment. However, challenges, such as maintaining microbial viability and managing toxic substances that impair enzyme function, are also noted.
- 7.8: Biochemical Processes in Metabolism
- This page explores biochemical processes related to metabolism, focusing on anabolism and catabolism. It emphasizes the significance of metabolic pathways like respiration, fermentation, and photosynthesis for energy acquisition.
- 7.9: Biochemistry of Toxic Substances and Toxicological Chemistry
- This page discusses biochemical interactions of organisms with toxic substances, focusing on detoxification and the metabolic processing of toxicants through Phase I and II reactions. It highlights the potential for enzymes to sometimes increase toxicity and the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals like xenoestrogens on health and the environment.
- Literature Cited
- This page provides three academic references: "Fundamentals of Biochemistry" by Voet et al. (2008), "Toxicological Chemistry and Biochemistry" by Manahan (2002), and "The Cell" edited by Kara Rogers (2011), which encompass topics in biochemistry, toxicology, and cellular biology.
- Supplementary References
- This page lists various biochemistry textbooks, detailing their authors, titles, editions, and publishers. Key titles include "Biochemistry: A Short Course," "Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry," and "Fundamentals of Biochemistry," published between 1998 and 2011. The collection encompasses diverse topics in biochemistry and molecular biology suitable for varying levels of expertise.