Chemistry of Natural ProductsPresented by Eric Ittah

What are natural products?•Wide array of natural chemical structures •Chemicals produced by the diverse organisms of nature•Bulk substances from nature , such as crude plant material, food products, resins and remain of plants and animals

Difference between natural and synthetic chemicalsSynthetic chemicals are made by the use of chemically reactive agents. Natural chemicals are made by enzymes . They can target their actions on parts of the molecule by bringing the active site of the enzyme into close proximity with one part of the molecule to be changed.

Types of natural products•Carbohydrates•Proteins•Lipids•Amino acids•Nucleic acids

CarbohydratesCarbohydrates are the most abundant natural products and play several roles in living organisms. They are actively involved in fertilization, immune system, and development. When combined together to form polymers, they can function as long term food storage molecules.

ProteinsProteins are large biological molecules , comprising one or more chains of amino acids. They perform a number of functions in living organisms including catalyzing metabolic reactions, replicating DNA and moving molecules from one end to another.

LipidsLipids are a group of naturally occurring molecules that include fats, waxes, fat-soluble vitamins, phospholipids and others. The main function of this natural product is to store energy, signaling and act as structural component of cell membrane. 

Amino AcidsAmino acids are building blocks of proteins. They are vital organic compounds made from amine and carboxylic acid. They are responsible to increase the growth hormone in human body.

Nucleic acidsNucleic acids are the most important biological macromolecules and are found in abundance in human body. The y constitute DNA and RNA , and function in encoding, transmitting, and expressing genetic information.

Any Questions? Contact me : Email Address : eric@ericittah.ca