Tag: Biochemistry basics

Over 90% of the protein we ingest is broken down into its fundamental building blocks during digestion. The question, "which acid contains protein," is based on a fundamental misconception; instead of an acid containing protein, proteins are actually long chains of amino acids, some of which are acidic.

The human body requires fatty acids for essential functions like energy storage and cell membrane maintenance, and these molecules are fundamentally classified as acids. This seemingly simple classification is rooted in their specific molecular structure, which enables them to behave as proton donors in biological systems. Understanding why fatty acids are classified as acids provides a foundation for grasping their vital roles in human health and metabolism.

In 1920, biochemist Walter R. Bloor introduced a groundbreaking classification system for lipids, or 'lipoids' as they were then called. What are Bloor's criteria for lipids, and how did this early system lay the groundwork for modern lipid biochemistry? This article explores his foundational principles and their historical significance.

While water is the most abundant molecule overall, when it comes to the large organic molecules known as macromolecules, one type dominates the human body. Proteins are the most abundant macromolecules, performing a diverse array of functions critical for life.

Carbohydrates are the most abundant organic molecules on Earth, and they are the biomolecule that has a 1:2:1 ratio of C/H/O, often seen as a confusing 1/2:1 query. This precise ratio of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen is a key defining characteristic for this class of vital macromolecules.

Over 90% of dietary lipids are triglycerides, serving as a primary energy source. While they are essential for energy storage, insulation, and membrane structure, there are several key biological processes that lipids do not include, such as the direct transfer of genetic information or acting as enzymatic catalysts.