Biochemistry Overview
Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes within
and related to living organisms.
It is a laboratory-based science that combines aspects of biology and chemistry.
Biochemists use their chemical knowledge and techniques to help understand and
solve biological problems.
Macromolecules of Life
The four major classes of macromolecules in biochemistry are carbohydrates,
proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
1. Carbohydrates
- Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
- Serve as the main source of energy for the body.
- Classified into monosaccharides (glucose, fructose), disaccharides (sucrose,
lactose), and polysaccharides (starch, glycogen, cellulose).
2. Proteins
- Made up of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
- Have structural, enzymatic, transport, and regulatory functions.
- Example: Enzymes act as biological catalysts.
3. Lipids
- Hydrophobic molecules that include fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids.
- Function as energy storage, insulation, and signaling molecules.
4. Nucleic Acids
- DNA and RNA store and transmit genetic information.
- DNA is double-stranded with bases A, T, G, C.
- RNA is single-stranded with bases A, U, G, C.
Enzymes in Biochemistry
Enzymes are proteins that accelerate biochemical reactions.
- They work by lowering the activation energy of reactions.
- Each enzyme has specificity for its substrate.
- Enzyme activity is affected by pH, temperature, and inhibitors.
Metabolism
Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions in the body.
- Catabolism: Breakdown of molecules to produce energy (e.g., glycolysis, Krebs
cycle).
- Anabolism: Synthesis of molecules required by cells (e.g., protein synthesis, DNA
replication).
Bioenergetics
- ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of the cell.
- Energy is released when ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP + Pi.
- Mitochondria are the main site of ATP production through oxidative
phosphorylation.
Vitamins and Coenzymes
- Vitamins are organic compounds essential for normal growth and nutrition.
- Many act as coenzymes or precursors of coenzymes (e.g., NAD+, FAD).
Genetic Biochemistry
- Central Dogma: DNA → RNA → Protein.
- Replication, transcription, and translation are key processes in genetic
biochemistry.
Clinical Biochemistry
- Involves the study of biochemical changes related to disease.
- Examples: Diabetes (glucose metabolism disorder), Liver function tests, Renal
function tests.
Applications of Biochemistry
- Medicine: drug design, disease diagnosis.
- Agriculture: improving crop yield.
- Biotechnology: genetic engineering, production of insulin.
Conclusion
Biochemistry bridges the gap between biology and chemistry, providing a molecular
understanding of life.
It has significant applications in health, agriculture, and biotechnology.
Biochemistry Overview
Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes within
and related to living organisms.
It is a laboratory-based science that combines aspects of biology and chemistry.
Biochemists use their chemical knowledge and techniques to help understand and
solve biological problems.
Macromolecules of Life
The four major classes of macromolecules in biochemistry are carbohydrates,
proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
1. Carbohydrates
- Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
- Serve as the main source of energy for the body.
- Classified into monosaccharides (glucose, fructose), disaccharides (sucrose,
lactose), and polysaccharides (starch, glycogen, cellulose).
2. Proteins
- Made up of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
- Have structural, enzymatic, transport, and regulatory functions.
- Example: Enzymes act as biological catalysts.
3. Lipids
- Hydrophobic molecules that include fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids.
- Function as energy storage, insulation, and signaling molecules.
4. Nucleic Acids
- DNA and RNA store and transmit genetic information.
- DNA is double-stranded with bases A, T, G, C.
- RNA is single-stranded with bases A, U, G, C.
Enzymes in Biochemistry
Enzymes are proteins that accelerate biochemical reactions.
- They work by lowering the activation energy of reactions.
- Each enzyme has specificity for its substrate.
- Enzyme activity is affected by pH, temperature, and inhibitors.
Metabolism
Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions in the body.
- Catabolism: Breakdown of molecules to produce energy (e.g., glycolysis, Krebs
cycle).
- Anabolism: Synthesis of molecules required by cells (e.g., protein synthesis, DNA
replication).
Bioenergetics
- ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of the cell.
- Energy is released when ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP + Pi.
- Mitochondria are the main site of ATP production through oxidative
phosphorylation.
Vitamins and Coenzymes
- Vitamins are organic compounds essential for normal growth and nutrition.
- Many act as coenzymes or precursors of coenzymes (e.g., NAD+, FAD).
Genetic Biochemistry
- Central Dogma: DNA → RNA → Protein.
- Replication, transcription, and translation are key processes in genetic
biochemistry.
Clinical Biochemistry
- Involves the study of biochemical changes related to disease.
- Examples: Diabetes (glucose metabolism disorder), Liver function tests, Renal
function tests.
Applications of Biochemistry
- Medicine: drug design, disease diagnosis.
- Agriculture: improving crop yield.
- Biotechnology: genetic engineering, production of insulin.
Conclusion
Biochemistry bridges the gap between biology and chemistry, providing a molecular
understanding of life.
It has significant applications in health, agriculture, and biotechnology.
Biochemistry Overview
Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes within
and related to living organisms.
It is a laboratory-based science that combines aspects of biology and chemistry.
Biochemists use their chemical knowledge and techniques to help understand and
solve biological problems.
Macromolecules of Life
The four major classes of macromolecules in biochemistry are carbohydrates,
proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
1. Carbohydrates
- Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
- Serve as the main source of energy for the body.
- Classified into monosaccharides (glucose, fructose), disaccharides (sucrose,
lactose), and polysaccharides (starch, glycogen, cellulose).
2. Proteins
- Made up of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
- Have structural, enzymatic, transport, and regulatory functions.
- Example: Enzymes act as biological catalysts.
3. Lipids
- Hydrophobic molecules that include fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids.
- Function as energy storage, insulation, and signaling molecules.
4. Nucleic Acids
- DNA and RNA store and transmit genetic information.
- DNA is double-stranded with bases A, T, G, C.
- RNA is single-stranded with bases A, U, G, C.
Enzymes in Biochemistry
Enzymes are proteins that accelerate biochemical reactions.
- They work by lowering the activation energy of reactions.
- Each enzyme has specificity for its substrate.
- Enzyme activity is affected by pH, temperature, and inhibitors.
Metabolism
Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions in the body.
- Catabolism: Breakdown of molecules to produce energy (e.g., glycolysis, Krebs
cycle).
- Anabolism: Synthesis of molecules required by cells (e.g., protein synthesis, DNA
replication).
Bioenergetics
- ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of the cell.
- Energy is released when ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP + Pi.
- Mitochondria are the main site of ATP production through oxidative
phosphorylation.
Vitamins and Coenzymes
- Vitamins are organic compounds essential for normal growth and nutrition.
- Many act as coenzymes or precursors of coenzymes (e.g., NAD+, FAD).
Genetic Biochemistry
- Central Dogma: DNA → RNA → Protein.
- Replication, transcription, and translation are key processes in genetic
biochemistry.
Clinical Biochemistry
- Involves the study of biochemical changes related to disease.
- Examples: Diabetes (glucose metabolism disorder), Liver function tests, Renal
function tests.
Applications of Biochemistry
- Medicine: drug design, disease diagnosis.
- Agriculture: improving crop yield.
- Biotechnology: genetic engineering, production of insulin.
Conclusion
Biochemistry bridges the gap between biology and chemistry, providing a molecular
understanding of life.
It has significant applications in health, agriculture, and biotechnology.
Biochemistry Overview
Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes within
and related to living organisms.
It is a laboratory-based science that combines aspects of biology and chemistry.
Biochemists use their chemical knowledge and techniques to help understand and
solve biological problems.
Macromolecules of Life
The four major classes of macromolecules in biochemistry are carbohydrates,
proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
1. Carbohydrates
- Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
- Serve as the main source of energy for the body.
- Classified into monosaccharides (glucose, fructose), disaccharides (sucrose,
lactose), and polysaccharides (starch, glycogen, cellulose).
2. Proteins
- Made up of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
- Have structural, enzymatic, transport, and regulatory functions.
- Example: Enzymes act as biological catalysts.
3. Lipids
- Hydrophobic molecules that include fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids.
- Function as energy storage, insulation, and signaling molecules.
4. Nucleic Acids
- DNA and RNA store and transmit genetic information.
- DNA is double-stranded with bases A, T, G, C.
- RNA is single-stranded with bases A, U, G, C.
Enzymes in Biochemistry
Enzymes are proteins that accelerate biochemical reactions.
- They work by lowering the activation energy of reactions.
- Each enzyme has specificity for its substrate.
- Enzyme activity is affected by pH, temperature, and inhibitors.
Metabolism
Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions in the body.
- Catabolism: Breakdown of molecules to produce energy (e.g., glycolysis, Krebs
cycle).
- Anabolism: Synthesis of molecules required by cells (e.g., protein synthesis, DNA
replication).
Bioenergetics
- ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of the cell.
- Energy is released when ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP + Pi.
- Mitochondria are the main site of ATP production through oxidative
phosphorylation.
Vitamins and Coenzymes
- Vitamins are organic compounds essential for normal growth and nutrition.
- Many act as coenzymes or precursors of coenzymes (e.g., NAD+, FAD).
Genetic Biochemistry
- Central Dogma: DNA → RNA → Protein.
- Replication, transcription, and translation are key processes in genetic
biochemistry.
Clinical Biochemistry
- Involves the study of biochemical changes related to disease.
- Examples: Diabetes (glucose metabolism disorder), Liver function tests, Renal
function tests.
Applications of Biochemistry
- Medicine: drug design, disease diagnosis.
- Agriculture: improving crop yield.
- Biotechnology: genetic engineering, production of insulin.
Conclusion
Biochemistry bridges the gap between biology and chemistry, providing a molecular
understanding of life.
It has significant applications in health, agriculture, and biotechnology.
Biochemistry Overview
Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes within
and related to living organisms.
It is a laboratory-based science that combines aspects of biology and chemistry.
Biochemists use their chemical knowledge and techniques to help understand and
solve biological problems.
Macromolecules of Life
The four major classes of macromolecules in biochemistry are carbohydrates,
proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
1. Carbohydrates
- Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
- Serve as the main source of energy for the body.
- Classified into monosaccharides (glucose, fructose), disaccharides (sucrose,
lactose), and polysaccharides (starch, glycogen, cellulose).
2. Proteins
- Made up of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
- Have structural, enzymatic, transport, and regulatory functions.
- Example: Enzymes act as biological catalysts.
3. Lipids
- Hydrophobic molecules that include fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids.
- Function as energy storage, insulation, and signaling molecules.
4. Nucleic Acids
- DNA and RNA store and transmit genetic information.
- DNA is double-stranded with bases A, T, G, C.
- RNA is single-stranded with bases A, U, G, C.
Enzymes in Biochemistry
Enzymes are proteins that accelerate biochemical reactions.
- They work by lowering the activation energy of reactions.
- Each enzyme has specificity for its substrate.
- Enzyme activity is affected by pH, temperature, and inhibitors.
Metabolism
Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions in the body.
- Catabolism: Breakdown of molecules to produce energy (e.g., glycolysis, Krebs
cycle).
- Anabolism: Synthesis of molecules required by cells (e.g., protein synthesis, DNA
replication).
Bioenergetics
- ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of the cell.
- Energy is released when ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP + Pi.
- Mitochondria are the main site of ATP production through oxidative
phosphorylation.
Vitamins and Coenzymes
- Vitamins are organic compounds essential for normal growth and nutrition.
- Many act as coenzymes or precursors of coenzymes (e.g., NAD+, FAD).
Genetic Biochemistry
- Central Dogma: DNA → RNA → Protein.
- Replication, transcription, and translation are key processes in genetic
biochemistry.
Clinical Biochemistry
- Involves the study of biochemical changes related to disease.
- Examples: Diabetes (glucose metabolism disorder), Liver function tests, Renal
function tests.
Applications of Biochemistry
- Medicine: drug design, disease diagnosis.
- Agriculture: improving crop yield.
- Biotechnology: genetic engineering, production of insulin.
Conclusion
Biochemistry bridges the gap between biology and chemistry, providing a molecular
understanding of life.
It has significant applications in health, agriculture, and biotechnology.
Biochemistry Overview
Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes within
and related to living organisms.
It is a laboratory-based science that combines aspects of biology and chemistry.
Biochemists use their chemical knowledge and techniques to help understand and
solve biological problems.
Macromolecules of Life
The four major classes of macromolecules in biochemistry are carbohydrates,
proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
1. Carbohydrates
- Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
- Serve as the main source of energy for the body.
- Classified into monosaccharides (glucose, fructose), disaccharides (sucrose,
lactose), and polysaccharides (starch, glycogen, cellulose).
2. Proteins
- Made up of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
- Have structural, enzymatic, transport, and regulatory functions.
- Example: Enzymes act as biological catalysts.
3. Lipids
- Hydrophobic molecules that include fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids.
- Function as energy storage, insulation, and signaling molecules.
4. Nucleic Acids
- DNA and RNA store and transmit genetic information.
- DNA is double-stranded with bases A, T, G, C.
- RNA is single-stranded with bases A, U, G, C.
Enzymes in Biochemistry
Enzymes are proteins that accelerate biochemical reactions.
- They work by lowering the activation energy of reactions.
- Each enzyme has specificity for its substrate.
- Enzyme activity is affected by pH, temperature, and inhibitors.
Metabolism
Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions in the body.
- Catabolism: Breakdown of molecules to produce energy (e.g., glycolysis, Krebs
cycle).
- Anabolism: Synthesis of molecules required by cells (e.g., protein synthesis, DNA
replication).
Bioenergetics
- ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of the cell.
- Energy is released when ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP + Pi.
- Mitochondria are the main site of ATP production through oxidative
phosphorylation.
Vitamins and Coenzymes
- Vitamins are organic compounds essential for normal growth and nutrition.
- Many act as coenzymes or precursors of coenzymes (e.g., NAD+, FAD).
Genetic Biochemistry
- Central Dogma: DNA → RNA → Protein.
- Replication, transcription, and translation are key processes in genetic
biochemistry.
Clinical Biochemistry
- Involves the study of biochemical changes related to disease.
- Examples: Diabetes (glucose metabolism disorder), Liver function tests, Renal
function tests.
Applications of Biochemistry
- Medicine: drug design, disease diagnosis.
- Agriculture: improving crop yield.
- Biotechnology: genetic engineering, production of insulin.
Conclusion
Biochemistry bridges the gap between biology and chemistry, providing a molecular
understanding of life.
It has significant applications in health, agriculture, and biotechnology.
Biochemistry Overview
Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes within
and related to living organisms.
It is a laboratory-based science that combines aspects of biology and chemistry.
Biochemists use their chemical knowledge and techniques to help understand and
solve biological problems.
Macromolecules of Life
The four major classes of macromolecules in biochemistry are carbohydrates,
proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
1. Carbohydrates
- Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
- Serve as the main source of energy for the body.
- Classified into monosaccharides (glucose, fructose), disaccharides (sucrose,
lactose), and polysaccharides (starch, glycogen, cellulose).
2. Proteins
- Made up of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
- Have structural, enzymatic, transport, and regulatory functions.
- Example: Enzymes act as biological catalysts.
3. Lipids
- Hydrophobic molecules that include fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids.
- Function as energy storage, insulation, and signaling molecules.
4. Nucleic Acids
- DNA and RNA store and transmit genetic information.
- DNA is double-stranded with bases A, T, G, C.
- RNA is single-stranded with bases A, U, G, C.
Enzymes in Biochemistry
Enzymes are proteins that accelerate biochemical reactions.
- They work by lowering the activation energy of reactions.
- Each enzyme has specificity for its substrate.
- Enzyme activity is affected by pH, temperature, and inhibitors.
Metabolism
Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions in the body.
- Catabolism: Breakdown of molecules to produce energy (e.g., glycolysis, Krebs
cycle).
- Anabolism: Synthesis of molecules required by cells (e.g., protein synthesis, DNA
replication).
Bioenergetics
- ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of the cell.
- Energy is released when ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP + Pi.
- Mitochondria are the main site of ATP production through oxidative
phosphorylation.
Vitamins and Coenzymes
- Vitamins are organic compounds essential for normal growth and nutrition.
- Many act as coenzymes or precursors of coenzymes (e.g., NAD+, FAD).
Genetic Biochemistry
- Central Dogma: DNA → RNA → Protein.
- Replication, transcription, and translation are key processes in genetic
biochemistry.
Clinical Biochemistry
- Involves the study of biochemical changes related to disease.
- Examples: Diabetes (glucose metabolism disorder), Liver function tests, Renal
function tests.
Applications of Biochemistry
- Medicine: drug design, disease diagnosis.
- Agriculture: improving crop yield.
- Biotechnology: genetic engineering, production of insulin.
Conclusion
Biochemistry bridges the gap between biology and chemistry, providing a molecular
understanding of life.
It has significant applications in health, agriculture, and biotechnology.
Biochemistry Overview
Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes within
and related to living organisms.
It is a laboratory-based science that combines aspects of biology and chemistry.
Biochemists use their chemical knowledge and techniques to help understand and
solve biological problems.
Macromolecules of Life
The four major classes of macromolecules in biochemistry are carbohydrates,
proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
1. Carbohydrates
- Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
- Serve as the main source of energy for the body.
- Classified into monosaccharides (glucose, fructose), disaccharides (sucrose,
lactose), and polysaccharides (starch, glycogen, cellulose).
2. Proteins
- Made up of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
- Have structural, enzymatic, transport, and regulatory functions.
- Example: Enzymes act as biological catalysts.
3. Lipids
- Hydrophobic molecules that include fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids.
- Function as energy storage, insulation, and signaling molecules.
4. Nucleic Acids
- DNA and RNA store and transmit genetic information.
- DNA is double-stranded with bases A, T, G, C.
- RNA is single-stranded with bases A, U, G, C.
Enzymes in Biochemistry
Enzymes are proteins that accelerate biochemical reactions.
- They work by lowering the activation energy of reactions.
- Each enzyme has specificity for its substrate.
- Enzyme activity is affected by pH, temperature, and inhibitors.
Metabolism
Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions in the body.
- Catabolism: Breakdown of molecules to produce energy (e.g., glycolysis, Krebs
cycle).
- Anabolism: Synthesis of molecules required by cells (e.g., protein synthesis, DNA
replication).
Bioenergetics
- ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of the cell.
- Energy is released when ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP + Pi.
- Mitochondria are the main site of ATP production through oxidative
phosphorylation.
Vitamins and Coenzymes
- Vitamins are organic compounds essential for normal growth and nutrition.
- Many act as coenzymes or precursors of coenzymes (e.g., NAD+, FAD).
Genetic Biochemistry
- Central Dogma: DNA → RNA → Protein.
- Replication, transcription, and translation are key processes in genetic
biochemistry.
Clinical Biochemistry
- Involves the study of biochemical changes related to disease.
- Examples: Diabetes (glucose metabolism disorder), Liver function tests, Renal
function tests.
Applications of Biochemistry
- Medicine: drug design, disease diagnosis.
- Agriculture: improving crop yield.
- Biotechnology: genetic engineering, production of insulin.
Conclusion
Biochemistry bridges the gap between biology and chemistry, providing a molecular
understanding of life.
It has significant applications in health, agriculture, and biotechnology.
Biochemistry Overview
Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes within
and related to living organisms.
It is a laboratory-based science that combines aspects of biology and chemistry.
Biochemists use their chemical knowledge and techniques to help understand and
solve biological problems.
Macromolecules of Life
The four major classes of macromolecules in biochemistry are carbohydrates,
proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
1. Carbohydrates
- Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
- Serve as the main source of energy for the body.
- Classified into monosaccharides (glucose, fructose), disaccharides (sucrose,
lactose), and polysaccharides (starch, glycogen, cellulose).
2. Proteins
- Made up of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
- Have structural, enzymatic, transport, and regulatory functions.
- Example: Enzymes act as biological catalysts.
3. Lipids
- Hydrophobic molecules that include fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids.
- Function as energy storage, insulation, and signaling molecules.
4. Nucleic Acids
- DNA and RNA store and transmit genetic information.
- DNA is double-stranded with bases A, T, G, C.
- RNA is single-stranded with bases A, U, G, C.
Enzymes in Biochemistry
Enzymes are proteins that accelerate biochemical reactions.
- They work by lowering the activation energy of reactions.
- Each enzyme has specificity for its substrate.
- Enzyme activity is affected by pH, temperature, and inhibitors.
Metabolism
Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions in the body.
- Catabolism: Breakdown of molecules to produce energy (e.g., glycolysis, Krebs
cycle).
- Anabolism: Synthesis of molecules required by cells (e.g., protein synthesis, DNA
replication).
Bioenergetics
- ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of the cell.
- Energy is released when ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP + Pi.
- Mitochondria are the main site of ATP production through oxidative
phosphorylation.
Vitamins and Coenzymes
- Vitamins are organic compounds essential for normal growth and nutrition.
- Many act as coenzymes or precursors of coenzymes (e.g., NAD+, FAD).
Genetic Biochemistry
- Central Dogma: DNA → RNA → Protein.
- Replication, transcription, and translation are key processes in genetic
biochemistry.
Clinical Biochemistry
- Involves the study of biochemical changes related to disease.
- Examples: Diabetes (glucose metabolism disorder), Liver function tests, Renal
function tests.
Applications of Biochemistry
- Medicine: drug design, disease diagnosis.
- Agriculture: improving crop yield.
- Biotechnology: genetic engineering, production of insulin.
Conclusion
Biochemistry bridges the gap between biology and chemistry, providing a molecular
understanding of life.
It has significant applications in health, agriculture, and biotechnology.
Biochemistry Overview
Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes within
and related to living organisms.
It is a laboratory-based science that combines aspects of biology and chemistry.
Biochemists use their chemical knowledge and techniques to help understand and
solve biological problems.
Macromolecules of Life
The four major classes of macromolecules in biochemistry are carbohydrates,
proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
1. Carbohydrates
- Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
- Serve as the main source of energy for the body.
- Classified into monosaccharides (glucose, fructose), disaccharides (sucrose,
lactose), and polysaccharides (starch, glycogen, cellulose).
2. Proteins
- Made up of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
- Have structural, enzymatic, transport, and regulatory functions.
- Example: Enzymes act as biological catalysts.
3. Lipids
- Hydrophobic molecules that include fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids.
- Function as energy storage, insulation, and signaling molecules.
4. Nucleic Acids
- DNA and RNA store and transmit genetic information.
- DNA is double-stranded with bases A, T, G, C.
- RNA is single-stranded with bases A, U, G, C.
Enzymes in Biochemistry
Enzymes are proteins that accelerate biochemical reactions.
- They work by lowering the activation energy of reactions.
- Each enzyme has specificity for its substrate.
- Enzyme activity is affected by pH, temperature, and inhibitors.
Metabolism
Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions in the body.
- Catabolism: Breakdown of molecules to produce energy (e.g., glycolysis, Krebs
cycle).
- Anabolism: Synthesis of molecules required by cells (e.g., protein synthesis, DNA
replication).
Bioenergetics
- ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of the cell.
- Energy is released when ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP + Pi.
- Mitochondria are the main site of ATP production through oxidative
phosphorylation.
Vitamins and Coenzymes
- Vitamins are organic compounds essential for normal growth and nutrition.
- Many act as coenzymes or precursors of coenzymes (e.g., NAD+, FAD).
Genetic Biochemistry
- Central Dogma: DNA → RNA → Protein.
- Replication, transcription, and translation are key processes in genetic
biochemistry.
Clinical Biochemistry
- Involves the study of biochemical changes related to disease.
- Examples: Diabetes (glucose metabolism disorder), Liver function tests, Renal
function tests.
Applications of Biochemistry
- Medicine: drug design, disease diagnosis.
- Agriculture: improving crop yield.
- Biotechnology: genetic engineering, production of insulin.
Conclusion
Biochemistry bridges the gap between biology and chemistry, providing a molecular
understanding of life.
It has significant applications in health, agriculture, and biotechnology.
