http://www.ck12.org Chapter 3. Chemical Interactions
3.36 Biochemical Compound Classification
- Define biochemical compound.
- Describe the general structure of biochemical compounds.
- Identify classes of biochemical compounds.
The opening image is a model of an important chemical compound. Without it, living things would not have the
energy they need to survive. Compared with most other compounds in living things, molecules of this compound
are small and simple. In the model, the gray circles represent carbon atoms, the red circles represent oxygen atoms,
and the black circles represent hydrogen atoms.
Q:What is the chemical formula for this compound, and what is its name?
A:The chemical formula is C 6 H 12 O 6 , and the name of the compound is glucose. In this article you’ll learn more
about glucose and other compounds that are essential to life.
Introduction to Biochemical Compounds
Glucose is an example of a biochemical compound. The prefixbio-comes from the Greek word that means “life.”
Abiochemical compoundis any carbon-based compound that is found in living things. Biochemical compounds
make up the cells and tissues of living things. They are also involved in all life processes, including making and using
food for energy. Given their diversity of functions, it’s not surprising that there are millions of different biochemical
compounds.
Q:Plants make food in the process of photosynthesis. What biochemical compound is synthesized in photosynthe-
sis?