Bke2 Biochemistry Lectures

Lecture 3: Basic principles
Reading material: Horton, Chapters 1 - 2.

Abstract: Cellular processes to a large extent depend on weak (non-covalent) interactions in an aqueous environment. The properties of water, and its influence on non-covalent interactions will be reviewed in the context of a living cell.

Key concepts:
Life is built upon weak interactions in an aqueous environment
Properties of water
Polar and non-polar groups
Ionic and polar substances dissolve in water
Nonpolar substances are insoluble in water
Amphipathic substances form monolayers, micelles, or bilayer vesicles in water
Non-covalent interactions in biomolecules
Charge-charge (electrostatic) interactions
Hydrogen bonds
van der Waals forces
The hydrophobic effect
The pH scale and buffer solutions

Links:

Lecture index

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