Organic Chemistry

Study of carbon-containing compounds and their reactions.

Structure and Bonding in Organic MoleculesFunctional Groups and Organic NomenclatureTypes of Organic Reactions
Stereochemistry: 3D Shapes of MoleculesSpectroscopy and Organic AnalysisOrganic Chemistry in Biological Systems
Pharmaceuticals and Drug DesignPlastics and Polymers in Everyday LifeFood Chemistry and Nutrition
Mastering Organic StructuresApproaching Reaction Mechanisms
Structure and Bondin...Functional Groups an...Types of Organic Rea...Stereochemistry: 3D ...Spectroscopy and Org...Organic Chemistry in...Pharmaceuticals and ...Plastics and Polymer...Food Chemistry and N...Mastering Organic St...Approaching Reaction...
Advanced Topics

Organic Chemistry in Biological Systems

How Does Life Use Organic Chemistry?

Living things are made of organic molecules! Biological systems rely on organic reactions for everything from energy to genetics.

Biomolecules

  • Carbohydrates: Sugars and starches, main sources of energy.
  • Proteins: Made of amino acids, responsible for structure and function.
  • Lipids: Fats and oils, important for energy storage and membranes.
  • Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA, carrying genetic information.

Key Organic Reactions in Life

  • Enzyme-catalyzed reactions: Speed up vital processes.
  • Photosynthesis and respiration: Transform energy and matter.

Why It Matters

Understanding organic chemistry helps us appreciate nutrition, medicine, and even how our bodies work!

Real World Connections

Organic chemistry explains how insulin controls blood sugar and how DNA mutations can cause disease.

Examples

  • Enzymes catalyzing the breakdown of food in digestion.

  • Photosynthesis turning sunlight into glucose in plants.

In a Nutshell

Organic chemistry is the foundation of all living systems and the processes that keep us alive.

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Pharmaceuticals and Drug Design