BIOCHEMISTRY (Nursing) Module 1

BIOCHEMISTRY – or BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY

- “BIO” means life

- “CHEMISTRY” – science which deals with the study of the composition and properties of
matter
- The study of compounds, chemical changes and reactions occurring in living system

The biological importance of biochemistry

- The biological importance of biochemistry is to make substances that are needed by the body, like glucose
and oxygen. Everything in our bodies depends on biochemistry in order to function.

- The biological importance of biochemistry includes the role of living organisms in the maintenance of life
and adaptation to their environment.

An organic compound is a member of a large class of gaseous, liquid, or solid chemical compounds whose
molecules contain carbon. Organic molecules are used by human beings in a number of ways in foods,
pharmaceuticals, fuels etc.

List of important Organic Compounds

Organic Uses of Organic Compound

Compound

Methane Black in colour, used in making motor tyres and printing ink, production of light and
energy, making methyl alcohol, formaldehyde and chloroform etc.

Butane In its liquid state, it is used as LPG fuel.

Ethylene It is used in fruit ripening and fruits preservation, mustard gas, and in the form of
anaesthesia, in oxy-ethylene flame.

Acetylene In producing light, oxy-ethylene flame, in the form of Marcelin anaesthesia, in making
neoprene (artificial rubber), in artificial ripening etc.

Polythene It is used for producing electrical resistance in wires and cables, in making layers in the
cap of the bottle in the production of non-crackable bottles, pipes, buckets etc.

Polystyrene Is used for the production of caps of bottles of acid, in making the body of the
accumulator cells etc.

Ethyl bromine It is for making local anaesthesia.

 Chloroform In surgical operation as anaesthesia, in form of a solvent of rubber, fat, lac etc, as
insecticide etc.

Methyl alcohol In making methylated spirit, artificial colour, varnish and polish, mixing with petrol and
utilised as a fuel of engines etc.

Firmament In making medicine of throats in making chewing tablets.

Ethyl alcohol It is used for making wine and other alcoholic drinking stuff, tincture, varnish and polish,
in the form of solvents, in methylated spirit, in artificial colours in perfumes and scent of
fruits, in transparent soaps, in spirit lamps and stoves, in the form of fuel of motor
vehicle in cleaning the wound, in the form of insecticide etc.

Glycerol It is used for making nitro-glycerine, in cleaning the components of watches, in ink of
stamp, in shoes polish and cosmetics, in transparent soaps, in pain reliever medicines of
any fractured part of the body organs, in sweets, wine and fruits preservation etc.

Inorganic compounds are not derived from living things. They tend to be minerals or geologically based
compounds without C-H bonds. Inorganic compounds consist of single element, salts, metals, sediments and
ores. They have some characteristics, such as able to conduct electricity (metals), highly colored and have
ability to form crystals.

Here is the list of examples of branches of inorganic compounds found at home:

1. Water (H2O) 

Water is a simple organic compound that can be found at home. It is not only used as drinking water, but
also useful in life. Inside human body, around 70% percent of them is consisted of water. Water, placed
between cells has function to make up tissues and organs.

Other benefits of water are heat sink, mixer of various liquid substances, solvent, etc. In chemical reaction,
there are two types of chemical reactions involved water: synthesis of dehydration and hydrolysis. Related
to Chemicals in Water

2. Salt (NaCl) 

The common used salt at home is NaCl. NaCl is used to season food. The seasoning can be done during food
preparation or at the table. It is also used in the past as a method of food preservation. Related
to Differences between Acid, Base and Salt

3. Sulphuric Acid (H2SO4) 

Acids also belong to inorganic compounds. One of easiest acid that can be found at home is Sulphuric Acid
(H2SO4). Formerly known as vitriol, it is used in lead-acid batteries for cars and other vehicles. This
one examples of Inorganic Compounds found at home.

4. Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) 

The most common alkali (bases) which is found easily at home is NaOH. It is also called as caustic soda. Like
salts and acids, alkali also has characteristic to dissociate in water into electrolytes. NaOH at home can be
found in products for cleaning, unblocking sinks, drains and toilets. Among other ingredients, it is also used
for drain cleaning products and oven cleaner. NaOH is a type of high corrosive alkali. Related to Sodium Uses
in Human Body

5. Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) 

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) is naturally part of egg. It is contained at egg shells, part of hens’ eggs which is
not usually eaten and used in cooking. Sometimes, it can be found in toothpaste. Marble also contains
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) and is used to make ornaments, bathroom or kitchen tiles, some work-surfaces
and even steps (outside a front door).

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) is used among other ingredients, such as non-prescription drug. Drugs contained
CaCO3  are used for relief from acid indigestion and heartburn. It is also considered as calcium supplements.
Related to Chemical Formula and Uses of Magnesium Carbonate

6. Sodium Hypochlorite (NaClO) 

Sodium Hypochlorite (NaClO) is used in bleaching products used for laundry. NaClO is the very common
domestic bleach. It is often a solution of approximation 3-6% with oxygen and other chemicals within the
bleaching products.

7. Silica (SiO4) 

Another inorganic compound with multiple uses that can be found at home is silica. Silica gel is a crystal solid
of chemical SiO4. Silica used as beads packed in vapor permeable plastics and as a desiccant in product
packaging. As a desiccant, it is used to control local humidity inside product packaging. This organic
compound can also be found in some forms of cat litter products.

8. Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) 

There are several common names of Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), quartz and sand. Many types of crystal jewelries
are made from SiO2, such as rose quartz. Quartz is also used in ornamental objects, such as candles’ holder.
Meanwhile, as sand, Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) has various uses including building sand and sand for sand pits
(for playing).

9. Teflon 

The one loved by Mom for making food, Teflon, is also no other than product made by inorganic compounds.
It is made from a polymer which is called Polymer of Tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The chemical form of PTFE
is (C2F4)n. Teflon is used as a non-stick coating for cookware, in containers and pipework for reactive and
corrosive chemicals.

10. Ammonia (NH3) 

NH3 is the chemical form of inorganic compound, Ammonia. It is used for detergents, dyes and fragrances. It
can be found among other ingredients which is also used in glass and hard surface cleaner.

Activity 1

Water (H2O) – INORGANIC

Glucose (C6H12O6) – ORGANIC

Table salt (NaCl) – INORGANIC

Ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH) – INORGANIC

Fruit sugar (C6H12O6) – ORGANIC

Note : Organic Compound is a chemical compound that contains carbon that covalently linked to atoms
especially hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen

       : Inorganic Compound, on the other hand, is a compound that lacks of carbon-hydrogen bonds