BIOC 2010 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Biomolecule, Systems Biology, Hydrogen Bond

• School: University of Windsor
• Department: Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Course: BIOC 2010
• Professor: Michael Boffa

Document Summary

The biomolecules tend to be much bigger and more complex than those in introductory chemistry classes. Biomolecules did not arrive at their structure randomly: structure is guided by the required function for that biomolecule, the two are always interrelated. If we understand the structure, we can gain insight into function. When we know the function of the biomolecule, that can help to rationalize the structure. Biomolecules ionize and the extent of ionization depends on the ph. Whether something is ionized or not has an enormous impact on its function. Most biomolecules don"t operate on their own: usually in association with some other biomolecule. Can have polymers or a complex of two or three proteins that are necessary to do a particular job. Understanding interactions helps to understand what is going on in the cell. Traditionally, biochemist have looked at one molecule, process, reaction, etc. at a time in isolation to try to simplify things.