Basics of Biochemistry

Figure 73.

The molecules of m-xylene or meta-xylene are similar with the methyl groups at the 1,3 position, while the para configuration of p-xylene involves the 1,4 positions or “opposite” configurations of the methyl groups—referred to as opposite because the para position has methyl groups on opposite sides of the hexagonal benzene molecule. These terms are used to describe configurations of side groups on aromatic compounds for the most part.

BASICS OF BIOCHEMISTRY

Biochemistry is basically organic chemistry applied to living things. All of living chemistry involves complex organic molecules that interact with one another to have the structural (anatomic) and biochemical (physiological) aspects of life. All of living processes can be explained in complex biochemical ways. In this section, we won’t cover all of biochemistry but will outline the different types of organic molecules that make up life. These mainly include proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and lipids.