The Science of Everything Podcast Episode 18: Biochemistry Basics
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Jun 20, 2011 Delve into the fascinating world of biochemistry, where carbon's role as the backbone of life is unraveled. Discover the major classes of biomolecules, including the critical functions of enzymes and the intricate structures of DNA and RNA. Learn about lipids' vital roles in energy storage and cellular integrity. Additionally, understand how macromolecules operate and the crucial process of protein folding, along with the health implications of protein misfolding, including diseases like mad cow disease.
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Why Carbon Is Life's Backbone
- Carbon's four valence electrons let it form large, complex, and stable molecules essential for life.
- Carbon's size and bonding versatility enable long, nonpolar chains that build macromolecules like proteins and DNA.
Water Drives Polymer Assembly
- Macromolecules form by monomers joining into polymers via dehydration synthesis and reverse by hydrolysis.
- Water is central: forming polymers releases water and breaking them consumes water, affecting stability.
Use Enzymes To Speed Reactions
- Use enzymes to catalyze biological reactions because they lower activation energy without being consumed.
- Rely on enzymes to speed life-critical reactions that would otherwise be too slow to sustain life.