Week 1: Proteins - The Body's Workhorses
Think of proteins as the ultimate multitaskers in your body - they're like tiny machines that build, repair, and keep everything running smoothly. These biomolecules are made from smaller building blocks called amino acids, which link together like LEGO pieces to create complex structures.
Proteins have four levels of organization, kind of like how a house has blueprints, rooms, floors, and the complete building. The primary structure is just the sequence of amino acids, while secondary structure involves folding patterns. Tertiary structure creates the final 3D shape, and quaternary structure happens when multiple protein chains work together.
Enzymes are special proteins that act like molecular scissors and glue - they speed up chemical reactions without getting used up themselves. Each enzyme has an active site where it grabs onto its target molecule (called a substrate) through induced fit, like a hand adjusting to perfectly grip a ball.
Quick Tip: Remember "OIL RIG" for oxidation-reduction reactions - Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons), Reduction Is Gain (of electrons)!