Biochemistry – Chapter 1

Introduction to Biochemistry - Focuses on enzymes and

- Biochemistry is the branch of hormones and their regulation
science that studies the chemical - Provides knowledge of molecular
processes in living organisms genetics and heredity
- Explains how cells, tissues, and - Forms the basis for clinical
organs function at the molecular diagnosis and treatment in
level healthcare
- Provides the foundation for - Directly supports nursing practice
medicine, nursing, nutrition, and by connecting science to patient
allied health sciences care

Meaning and Definition of Briefing (Overview/Importance)

 Biochemistry in Health
Biochemistry
- Explains normal body
- Derived from “Biology” (life) +
functions at the cellular and
“Chemistry” (matter and
molecular levels
reactions)
- Helps understand disorders
- The branch of science that studies
like diabetes, cancer, genetic
the chemical processes in living
diseases
organisms
 Biochemistry in Nursing
- Explains the structure, function,
- Essential for nutrition,
and interactions of biomolecules
pharmacology, pathology, and
- Describes how cells obtain and
lab result interpretation
use energy to sustain life
- Guides nurses in evidence-
- Acts as a bridge between biology,
based patient care
chemistry, and health sciences

Scope of Biochemistry  Biochemistry in Medicine

- Studies the structure and function - Supports diagnosis (lab tests,
of biomolecules (proteins, lipids, enzyme assays, biomarkers)
carbohydrates, nucleic acids) - Basis for therapies (drug
- Explains metabolism and energy design, hormone therapy,
production in cells nutrition)
 - Advances research in  Response to Stimuli
molecular medicine, genetics, - Ability to sense and react to
and biotechnology environmental changes
 Adaptation
- Long-term evolutionary
Characteristics of Life changes to survive in
 Organization environments
- All living organisms are made
up of cells, the basic unit of life
 Metabolism Features of Life
- All chemical reactions that  Cellular structure
provide energy and build - All living organisms consist of
biomolecules one or more cells
 Homeostasis  Energy use
- Maintenance of stable internal - Living organisms require
conditions despite external energy (ATP) to perform
changes cellular functions
 Growth and Development  Genetic information
- Increase in size, complexity, or - DNA stores and passes
cell number hereditary information
 Reproduction  Interaction
- Ability to produce offspring - Organisms interact with
(asexual or sexual) environment and other
organisms for survival

Cell: Structure and Function

- The basic unit of structure and
function in all living organisms
- Smallest unit of life capable of
independent existence

Functions of the Cell

- Generate energy (ATP) through
metabolism
- Synthesize proteins, lipids, and
nucleic acids
- Transport materials in and out
- Communicate via receptors and
signals
- Reproduce for growth and repair

Structure of the Cell

 Cell Membrane - Provides shape, support,
- Semi-permeable barrier and aids in movement
that controls entry and
exit of substances - Detoxify harmful
 Cytoplasm substances; break down
- Jelly-like fluid where fatty acids
metabolic reactions occur;  Cytoskeleton
houses organelles - Provides shape, support,
 Nucleus and aids in movement
- Control center of the cell;
stores dna
 Mitochondria
- Powerhouse of the cell;
produces ATP
 Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
- Network of membranes
for synthesis and
transport of molecules

 Rough ER
- Protein synthesis (with
ribosomes)
 Smooth ER
- Lipid synthesis and
detoxification
 Ribosomes
- Sites of protein synthesis - Modifies, sorts, and
 Golgi Apparatus packages proteins for
- Modifies, sorts, and transport
packages proteins for  Lysosomes
transport - Contain enzymes to digest
 Lysosomes waste and debris
- Contain enzymes to digest  Peroxisomes
waste and debris - Detoxify harmful
 Peroxisomes substances; break down
- Detoxify harmful fatty acids
substances; break down  Cytoskeleton
fatty acids - Provides shape, support,
 Cytoskeleton and aids in movement
- Provides shape, support,
and aids in movement
Prokaryotic Cells Eukaryotic Cells
-
No true nucleus; DNA free in cytoplasm
- Simple structure; lack membrane-bound organelles
- Smaller in size (1–10 μm)
- Example: Bacteria

Eukaryotic Cells
- Have a true nucleus enclosed by a membrane
 - Contain membrane-bound organelles (mitochondria, ER, Golgi, lysosomes)
- Larger in size (10–100 μm)
- Examples: Plant and animal cells

Parts of the Cell

 Cell Membrane – Semi-permeable barrier that controls entry and exit of substances
 Cytoplasm – Jelly-like fluid where metabolic reactions occur; houses organelles
 Nucleus – Control center of the cell; stores genetic material (DNA)
 Mitochondria – Powerhouse of the cell; site of ATP (energy) production

 Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

 – Rough ER – protein synthesis (ribosome attached)

 – Smooth ER – lipid synthesis and detoxification
 Ribosomes – Sites of protein synthesis
 Golgi Apparatus – Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for transport
 Lysosomes – Contain enzymes to digest waste and cellular debris
 Peroxisomes – Detoxify harmful substances; break down fatty acids
 Cytoskeleton – Provides shape, support, and aids in movement
 Centrioles (in animal cells) – Organize spindle fibers during cell division
 Vacuoles – Store nutrients, waste products, or water (large in plant cells)
 Chloroplasts (in plant cells) – Site of photosynthesis; contain chlorophyll
 Cell Wall (in plant cells) – Rigid layer outside plasma membrane for support and
protection