BIOCHEMIS

MCC1
TRY
I. Introduction to Organic
Chemistry
Objectives:
• Understand the historical
development of organic chemistry
• Define organic chemistry and its key
features;
• Recognize its relevance in
biochemistry and daily life
What is Biochemistry ?
• Biochemistry is the study of
chemical processes and substances
in living organisms.

• It explains how molecules like

proteins, DNA, and enzymes work
together to keep life functioning.
Organic Chemistry
• the study of compounds of carbon,
especially of carbon and hydrogen
and their derivatives.

Because the cellular apparatus of living

organisms is made up of carbon
compounds, biomolecules are part of
the subject matter of organic chemistry.
History of Organic
Chemistry
In theory (Oparin, 1923)
organic chemistry may have it
s beginnings with the big bang
when the components of ammo
nia, nitrogen, carbon dioxide an
d methane combined to form a
mino acids, an experiment that
has been verified in the labora
tory (Miller, 1950).
History of Organic
Chemistry Organic chemicals were
used in ancient times by
Romans and Egyptians a
s dyes, medicines and po
isons from natural source
s, but the chemical comp
osition of the substances
was unknown.
History of Organic
Chemistry
In the 16th century organic
compounds were isolated
from nature in the pure sta
te (Scheele, 1769) and ana
lytical methods were devel
oped for determination of
elemental composition (La
voisier, 1784).
History of Organic
Chemistry • Jöns Jacob Berzelius, a physician by
trade, first coined the term “organic
chemistry” in 1806 for the study of
compounds derived from biological
sources.
• He classified chemical compounds in 2
main groups:
1.Organic- if they originate from living
or once-living matter
2.Inorganic -if they came from
History of Organic
Chemistry
The vital force theory
, sometimes called “vitalism” (vit
al means “life force”), was theref
ore proposed, and widely accept
ed, as a way to explain these diff
erences, that a “vital force” exist
ed within organic material but di
d not exist in any inorganic mate
rials.
History of Organic
Chemistry
• Friedrich Wöhler
is widely regarded as a pion
eer in organic chemistry as
a result of his synthesizing
of the biological compound
urea (a component of urine
in many animals) utilizing w
hat is now called “the
Wöhler synthesis (1828).”
History of Organic
Chemistry
History of Organic
Chemistry
• 1856 – William Perkin: Synthesized the first synthetic
dye (mauveine); opened the door to organic industrial
• chemistry.
1858 – August Kekulé: Proposed the tetravalency
of carbon and structure of benzene.
• Late 1800s–1900s: Growth of synthetic organic
chemistry, drugs, plastics, fuels.
• 21st Century: Organic chemistry is integrated with
genetic engineering, biotechnology, and
nanotechnology.
History of Organic
Chemistry • Antoine Laurent Lavoisier-
The French chemist is often
called the “Father of Modern
Chemistry” and his place is first
in any pantheon of great
chemistry figures.
• He work on combustion, the law
of conservation of mass, and the
development of chemical
Creative Reflection: Mini Poster
Chemistry
“What would life be like
without organic chemistry?”
Nature of Organic Chemistry
& the Role of Carbon
• Organic Chemistry-
The branch of chemistry that studies carbon-
containing compounds, especially those with
carbon–hydrogen bonds.

Exceptions: CO₂, carbonates (CO₃²⁻),

and cyanides (CN⁻) are not considered
organic.
 Characteristics of Organic
Compounds:
Often volatile, Can be
Usually Form low melting natural (e.g.,
contain C, covalent points glucose,
H, O, N, P, (compared to DNA) or
bonds ionic
S, and synthetic
compounds) (e.g.,
halogens
plastics,
aspirin)
• Organic compounds are usually held together by weak intermolecular forces (like Van der Waals or hydrogen bonds), so
their molecules can break apart and vaporize easilyOrganic compounds often have lower melting points because their
molecular structures are not strongly bonded to each other. This means they don’t require much heat to melt.
 Why Carbon is Special?
Carbon is the foundation of all life because of its unparalleled bonding
versatility.
• Tetravalency: • Catenation:
• Unique ability to form
Carbon has 4 valence long chains, rings, and
electrons, allowing it to branches by bonding
form four stable covalent with other carbon
bonds with many
atoms.
elements (especially
hydrogen, oxygen,
• No other element can
nitrogen).
match carbon in its
• Enables construction of
ability to catenate in
complex, stable, 3D
such diversity and
structures.
length.
 Why Carbon is Special?
Carbon is the foundation of all life because of its unparalleled bonding
versatility.
• Bond Types and • Hybridization
Strength: and Geometry:
• Can form single (C–C), • Can undergo sp³
double (C=C), and (tetrahedral), sp²
triple (C≡C) bonds. (trigonal planar), and
• Carbon-carbon bonds sp (linear)
are strong and stable, hybridizations.
ensuring molecular
integrity in biological
• Allows flexibility in
systems.
structure and
reactivity.
 Why Carbon is Special?
Carbon is the foundation of all life because of its unparalleled bonding
versatility.
• Compatibility with Life Elements:
• Bonds easily with H, O, N, S, P—
elements essential to life.
• This makes it the ideal backbone for
molecules like proteins, lipids, and
nucleic acids.

Think of carbon as the LEGO block of life—small, reliable, and

connects in nearly endless ways.
 Organic Compounds in Living Systems
The Big Four
Biomolecules
Carbohydrates Proteins Lipids Nucleic Acids

Provide quick energy Build and repair body Store long-term energy; Carry genetic
(e.g., glucose, starch). tissues; made of amino include fats, oils, and information (DNA &
acids. hormones. RNA).

✨ All these are organic molecules—formed with carbon and functional groups
ESSAY TIME!
1. Discuss 3 ways organic chemistry is
essential in everyday life. Include
specific examples of organic
compounds used in health,
environment, or industry.
2. What did Friedrich Wöhler discover,
and why was it important to science?

3. Explain why carbon is a special

element and how it helps form many
different molecules in living things.
 End of Lesson!
Thank you for participating
and see you on Monday!