Introduction to

Biochemistry
BY

DR. J.D. DABAK

Introduction
• Biochemistry is defined as the study of the structure, composition,
and chemical reactions of substances in living systems.
• Biochemistry emerged as a separate discipline when scientists
combined biology with organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry
and began to study:
• (i) how living things obtain energy from food,
• (ii) the chemical basis of heredity,
• (iii) the fundamental changes that occur in diseases, and related
issues.
• Biochemistry includes the sciences of molecular biology,
immunochemistry, and neurochemistry, as well as bioinorganic,
bioorganic, and biophysical chemistry etc.
Introduction cont.
• Biochemistry, which is the application of chemistry to the study of biological
processes at the cellular and molecular level
• Emerged as a distinct discipline around the beginning of the 20th century
when scientists combined chemistry, physiology, and biology to investigate the
chemistry of living systems.
• Biochemistry is both life science and chemical science - it explores the
chemistry of living organisms and the molecular basis for the changes
occurring in living cells.
• It uses the methods of chemistry to study life processes.
• Biochemistry has become the foundation for understanding all biological
processes.
• It has provided explanations for the causes of many diseases in humans,
animals, and plants.
Introduction cont.
• Biochemists are interested, for example, in mechanisms of brain function,
cellular multiplication and differentiation, communication within and between
cells and organs, and the chemical bases of inheritance and disease.
• The biochemist seeks to determine how specific molecules such as
carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, vitamins, and hormones function
in such processes.
• Particular emphasis is placed on the regulation of chemical reactions in living
cells.
• Biochemistry is an essential science because it is the foundation for
understanding all biological processes.
• It has provided explanations for the causes of many diseases in humans,
animals, and plants.
• It can frequently suggest ways by which such diseases may be treated or cured.
 Introduction cont.
• Because biochemistry seeks to unravel the complex chemical
reactions that occur in a wide variety of life forms, it provides the
basis for practical advances in medicine, veterinary medicine,
agriculture, and biotechnology.
• It underlies and includes such exciting new fields as molecular
genetics and bioengineering.
• The knowledge and methods developed by biochemists are applied
in all fields of medicine, in agriculture and in many chemical and
health-related industries.
• Biochemistry is also unique in providing teaching and research in
both protein structure/function and genetic engineering, the two
basic components of the rapidly expanding field of biotechnology.
Introduction cont.
• As the broadest of the basic sciences, biochemistry includes many sub-
specialties such as:
• neurochemistry,
• bioorganic chemistry,
• clinical biochemistry,
• physical biochemistry,
• molecular genetics,
• biochemical pharmacology,
• immunochemistry,
• environmental biochemistry,
• Plant biochemistry etc.
• Recent advances in these areas have created links among technology, chemical
engineering, and biochemistry.
 Main Branches of Biochemistry
• The sub study of biochemistry is actually quite diverse since it will
follow the progress of other studies like biology, chemistry and
physics.
• Previously, the biochemistry study mainly talks about the behaviour
of proteins and enzymes.
• Nowadays, there are many branches of biochemistry which deal with
different kinds of components like the investigation of
• DNA and RNA,
• the protein synthesis process,
• cell membrane and many more.
• The following are some popular Branches of Biochemistry among
other many branches.
 Main Branches of Biochemistry cont.
• 1. Enzymology
• This is the study about enzymes. This kind of study will cover
the properties of enzymes or biological catalysts.
• This study includes certain proteins, certain catalytic RNA and
the coenzymes and cofactors like metals and vitamins.
• In this enzymology study, you’ll get the definition of catalysis,
the process of enzymes – substrate catalytic transition stage,
activities of enzymes, kinetics reaction, regulation of
enzymatic from the biochemical perspective.
• You’ll understand about the catalytic effects that happen in
these biological elements.
 Main Branches of Biochemistry cont.
• 2. Endocrinology
• Endocrinology is the study about hormones.
• The hormones are the internal secretions that are made by
the special cell with the ability to affect the other cell’s
functions.
• This study also covers the biosynthesis, function and storage
of hormones, cell and tissues, hormone signaling process and
many other hormones related process in living organism.
• In this study, you can also learn the medical endocrinology,
endocrinology for plant and endocrinology for animal.
Main Branches of Biochemistry cont.
• 3. Molecular Biology
• Molecular biology study is the discipline that seeks to understand
the chemical processes that occur in the living organism at the
molecular level.
• In this study, it covers the detailed information about classical
biochemical and metabolic cycle.
• It includes the integration and disintegration of the molecules in the
living organism.
• The properties of biological macro molecules like enzymes, DNA,
RNA, hormones and so on in the living cell will be learned.
• The understanding of these will make you know exactly how the cell
operates at the molecular level.
 Main Branches of Biochemistry cont.
• 4. Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering
• This study is the mix between biochemistry and molecular biology which
covers the genes, their heritage and expression in more detail.
• In this study, one learns deeply about the DNA and RNA, its special-function
tools like mass sequencers, PCR, translation, DNA and RNA extracting process,
in vitro and in vivo mechanism, enzymes restriction, replication of DNA and
many more.
• If you really want to understand about DNA & RNA, this study is suitable for
you.
• In the molecular genetics and genetic engineering study, you will also learn
about the genes, how it’s being inserted, how to silence it, and their special
expressions and properties.
• This study aims to break the boundaries in the species since the genome of
species can be inserted from one species to another species. This study also
has the goal to create the proper regulation about gene expression.
 Main Branches of Biochemistry cont.
• 5. Cell Biology
• This study gives us the information about the properties, physical
structure, biochemical composition, functions, life cycles of cells.
• The life process of cells includes its nutrition, respiration process,
defensive process, its division and so on.
• This study also covers the communication conducted between cells
in the multi-cellular organism.
• There are also some techniques used in this study consisting of
cytochemical techniques, plant cell cultures, observation by optical
and electron microscopy, ELISA or flow cytometry and many more.
The cell biology study has the strong correlation with histology,
microbiology and physiology.
 Main Branches of Biochemistry cont.
• 6. Structural Biochemistry
• This study has its goal to give clear information about the biological
architecture of macro molecules like proteins and nucleic acids (DNA & RNA).
• This study covers the peptide sequences, and physic-chemical atomic
interactions that enable these structures.
• There are some current studies about the structure of protein that uses the
basic concept of this structural biochemistry study.
• 7. Metabolic Biochemistry
• This metabolic biochemistry study will help you understand the different types
of metabolic pathways at the cellular level.
• This study can give us detail information about the biochemical reaction in the
cell and make it possible to understand the metabolic disease.
• This study can be used to make a great treatment and medicine for metabolic
related disorders.
 Main Branches of Biochemistry cont.
• 8. Immunology (Immunochemistry)
• This study will cover the chemical reactions and the function
of immune system in the living organism.
• It will talk about the bacteria, viruses and their chemical
reactions. This is the study that gives the great contribution in
understanding about antibodies.
• 9. Neurochemistry
• This study talks about the neuronal activities within the
organic molecules.
• It covers neurotransmitters and other molecules such as
neuro-active drugs influencing neuronal function.
Biochemistry Applications in Medicine
• Biochemistry is the pivot upon which medical industry revolves.
• The concept of the biochemistry has been widely used for the
improvement in medicine. The following are some great
applications of biochemistry in the medical field.
• 1. Physiology
• Biochemistry is really helpful for scientist to fully understand the
physiology of the human body.
• By using the concept of biochemistry, scientist can understand the
biochemical changes that occur in living things.
• The search for disease-curing agents based on the biochemical
changes has been conducted to get the best medicine for certain
diseases.
 Biochemistry Applications in Medicine cont.
• 2. Pathology
• Biochemistry is also used in the pathology. By using this study, physician can get the
hint about the biochemical changes in patients based on symptoms description.
• The physician can then confirm the patients’ symptoms by examining the chemical
reaction or process in their body.
• For an example, the physician may examine the uric acid level in the patient’s body
to understand the patient’s symptoms.
• 3. Nutrition Deficiency
• Nowadays, people consume multi vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy.
• In order to formulate the best composition of these multi vitamins or minerals,
scientists use the biochemistry discipline.
• The function of vitamin or mineral in the body can be understood by the study of
biochemistry.
 Biochemistry Applications in Medicine cont.
•4. Hormonal Deficiency
•Hormonal imbalance, both in men, women or
children, can lead to many diseases.
•Physicians use the concept of biochemistry to
understand deeply about the hormones, their
functions and reactions in the human body.
•By using this knowledge, physician can create
the proper medicine to treat that kind of
hormonal imbalance.
Biochemistry Applications in Medical Treatment
(Medical Laboratory science)
• Biochemistry can be used to monitor the progress of patients regularly in the
hospital.
• This study can be used to define the best treatment for the patients based on their
conditions.
• Biochemistry makes it easier for the Doctors/nurses to diagnose the clinical
condition of the patients.
• Here are some other possible applications of biochemistry in the diagnosis of
diseases.
• 1. Kidney Function Test
• The kidney function is determined through the understanding of biochemistry.
• If the kidney has problems, the urine or blood tests can be carried out to determine
which bye product(s) of metabolism is/are present and in what concentration.
• This urine test can help us to understand the change in PH, urine colour, or other
contaminants in the urine.
• Biochemistry is the fundamental knowledge that is required to carry out these tests.
Biochemistry Applications in Medical Laboratory science
cont.
• 2. Blood Test
• The blood test uses the concept of biochemistry.
• The analytical test for blood glucose level gives an understanding of
the patient’s condition.
• The test can give an indication of the stages of diabetes.
• There is also another test for diabetes patients called the ketone
bodies in urine test.
• The ketone body or ketone urea is the indication of the last stage of
diabetes.
• Ketone bodies in urine can be examined by the knowledge derived
from the study of biochemistry.
Biochemistry Applications in Medical Laboratory science
cont.
• 3. Liver Function Tests
• Another body organ that can be understood by the
biochemistry study is the liver.
• Biochemistry helps us to understand how the liver operates,
the type of disorder which is likely to attack the liver, and the
effect of certain medicines on the liver condition.
• 4. Serum Cholesterol Test
• Biochemistry can also be used to check your cholesterol level
in the blood.
• The cholesterol or other lipoproteins contained in your blood
can indicate your health condition.
Biochemistry Applications in Medical Laboratory science
cont.
•5. Pregnancy Test. A pregnancy test uses the
presence of human chorionic gonadotropin
hormone (HCG) as the indicator of pregnancy.
•This type of hormone is made by the placenta as
soon as the implantation of the embryo into the
uterine walls takes place.
•This hormone can be detected by the urine or
blood sample. Thanks to biochemistry to help us
discover this hormone.
Biochemistry Applications in Medical Laboratory
science cont.
• 6. Ames Test
• Ames test is the test applied to the salmonella bacteria. This test measures the
growth of this bacteria in the body.
• This Ames test helps us to screen the chemicals to understand whether these
bacteria mutate the structure of DNA.
• This test can also give us the indication of cancer potential in our body based on
that kind of chemical reaction.
• 7. Breast Cancer Screening
• Breast cancer screening is conducted by examining the mutations in two genes
consisting of the Breast Cancer-1 gene (BRCA1) and the Breast Cancer-2 gene
(BRCA2).
• The examination of these genes can be conducted with the help of the
biochemistry concept.
Biochemistry Applications in Medical Laboratory science
cont.
•8. PKU Test
•Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disease in
which the individual is missing an enzyme
named phenylalanine hydroxylase.
•The absence of this enzyme can build
phenylalanine, which can lead to mental
retardation.
Biochemistry Applications in Agriculture
• Biochemistry also has some valuable impact in the agriculture fields. This study
is useful in farming, fishery, poultry, sericulture, beekeeping, and many more.
The following are some popular applications of biochemistry in agriculture.
• 1. Prevent Diseases
• The concept of biochemistry can be used to create the best prevention
method for diseases. It also can help to understand the treatment of that
certain diseases.
• 2. Enhance growth
• The biochemistry can help the farmer to enhance their plant growth, yield, and
quality of food by maximizing their fertilizers.
• The biochemistry helps us understand the reaction that occurred between
fertilizers or pesticides and the crops at the cell level.
• By knowing this, we can pick the right fertilizer to improve our plant growth
and its quality.
 Biochemistry Applications in Agriculture cont.
• 3. Enhance Yield
• There are some different hormones used for different purposes.
Some hormones help growth, boosting flowering, supporting fruit
formation.
• In fisheries, hormones are used to encourage fish growth.
• 4. Soils Condition
• Understanding the condition of soils is really important to make sure
that we get great farming outcomes.
• The knowledge of Biochemistry can help the farmer to understand
the composition of soils and their deficiencies.
• These data can be used to define the proper actions to solve the
problems in the farming soils.
Biochemistry Applications in Agriculture cont.
• 5. Adulteration
• Biochemistry can help us understand the composition of food and its
alterations.
• Biochemical tests can be used to identify contaminants in the food product.
• 6. Biochemical Tests
• Biochemical test can also be used to detect pesticide residues or other toxic
waste in plant, food grain and soil.
• This can be useful in the import and export process so that the quality of the
food can be kept well.
• 7. In animal husbandry
• Biochemical test can be done to check the quality. It can also help to diagnose
any disease in animals.
Biochemistry Applications in Agriculture cont.
• 8. In Fisheries
• Biochemical test is used in fisheries to monitor the water
quality regularly.
• Water composition and its chemical reactions may change
and this change can lead to the death of fishes or prawns.
• In this condition, regular monitoring by the biochemical test
is mandatory action to be done.
• There’re some qualities that are examined in the water
biochemical test like the salt or calcium containment, pH,
waste accumulation, and so on.
Biochemistry Application in Nutrition
• Biochemistry also plays a significant role in nutrition. Biochemistry helps us
understand the chemical contaminants in food.
• 1. Food Contaminants
• Biochemistry helps us determine food chemistry. We can understand the containment
of food we consume like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and others.
• 2. The Role of Nutrients
• Biochemistry makes us understand the function of nutrients to human health.
• 3. Nutrient Values Test
• By using the biochemical test, we can define the percentage or values of nutrients in
certain foods we consume.
• 4. Food Limitation
• By the concept of biochemistry, the physician can prescribe to limit the usage of
certain food like excess sugar for diabetics, excess oil for heart & lung problem-prone
patients, etc. We know that these carbohydrate and fat diets can inhibit the recovery
rate from said disorder.
 Biochemistry Applications in Pharmacy
•Biochemistry can also be beneficial in the pharmacy
industry. In this industry, many drugs are often
stored. These are the following applications of
biochemistry for pharmacy.
•1. Drug Constitution
•2. The Half-Life Test
•3. Drug Storage
•4. Drug Metabolism
Biochemistry Applications in Plants
• Biochemistry is also important for the plant’s life. We can
understand the chemical reactions that occur in plants and
how we can maximize it in order to increase our productivity.
Here are some popular biochemistry applications in plants.
• 5. Photosynthesis
• 6. Respiration
• 7. Different Sugars Study
• 8. Plants Secondary Metabolites
• 9. Other Functions. Biochemistry also gives us some useful
information like how plants fruits get ripened, how plant
seed germinates, the respiration process and so on.