Week1_Biomolecules_Lecture.pptxBiomolecule Biomolecule Biomolecule

Week1_Biomolecules_Lecture.pptxBiomolecule Biomolecule Biomolecule

1. Week 1: Introduction to Chemistry of Biomolecules Course: Medicine in Chemistry Duration: 3 Hours

2. Learning Objectives By the end of this lecture, students should be able to: • Identify the four major classes of biomolecules • Describe their basic structures and biological importance • Understand their relevance in medicinal chemistry • Recognize drug examples related to each biomolecule class

3. Introduction to Biomolecules • Organic molecules essential for structure and function of life • Four major classes: - Carbohydrates - Proteins - Lipids - Nucleic Acids • Biomolecules = drug targets & drug templates

4. Carbohydrates • Structure: Monosaccharides, Disaccharides, Polysaccharides • Functions: Energy source, structural role, cell signaling • Medical relevance: - Diabetes (glucose imbalance) - Drugs: Acarbose, Heparin

5. Proteins • Structure: Amino acids linked by peptide bonds • Functions: Enzymes, receptors, hormones, antibodies • Medical relevance: - Misfolding diseases (Alzheimer’s) - Drug targets (ACE inhibitors) - Therapeutic proteins (Insulin, mAbs)

6. Lipids • Types: Simple (fats, oils), Complex (phospholipids), Steroids • Functions: Energy storage, membranes, hormones • Medical relevance: - Cholesterol & atherosclerosis - Drugs: Statins, Steroid therapies

7. Nucleic Acids • DNA: Genetic information storage • RNA: Protein synthesis (mRNA, tRNA, rRNA) • Medical relevance: - Anticancer drugs (5-FU) - Antivirals (AZT) - Antibiotics targeting DNA/RNA

8. Integration: Biomolecules in Medicine • Carbohydrates → Diabetes drugs, anticoagulants • Proteins → Enzyme inhibitors, antibodies • Lipids → Statins, steroid hormones • Nucleic acids → Anticancer, antiviral drugs

9. Summary • Biomolecules: Carbs, Proteins, Lipids, Nucleic Acids • Structure dictates function • All are vital drug targets/templates • Understanding chemistry → foundation of medicinal chemistry

10. Practice Questions 1. Differentiate between mono-, di-, and polysaccharides. 2. Explain protein misfolding diseases with an example. 3. Why are lipids important in cardiovascular disease? 4. Describe nucleoside analogues in therapy.