Biochemistry-1 Introduction Quiz

What is Life

• Life encompasses a vast array of diversity, making its definition complex.

• Operational descriptions include movement, reproduction, adaptation, and response to stimuli.

• Biochemistry reveals that all organisms adhere to universal chemical and physical laws.

• Enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions essential for life.

• Life is characterized as complex and dynamic:

  • All organisms consist of six primary elements: carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus.
  • Biomolecules are carbon-based organic molecules produced by living organisms.

• Life is organized:

  • Living systems consist of cells, from simple atoms to complex organs.
  • Biomolecules combine to form polymers known as macromolecules, including:
    • Nucleic acids from nucleotides
    • Proteins from amino acids
    • Polysaccharides from monosaccharides

• Life is cellular:

  • Cells, the foundational units of life, are membrane-bound structures that regulate transport.
  • Significant structural and functional diversity exists among different cell types.

• Life is information-based:

  • Genetic information is encoded in DNA genes, directing amino acid sequences in proteins.
  • Proteins assume specific 3D structures and interact with other molecules, exemplified by insulin binding to its receptors, signaling glucose uptake.

• Life adapts and evolves:

  • DNA mutations can enhance an organism's survival and adaptability to new environments, influencing energy utilization and reproductive success.

Biomolecules

• Biomolecules are organic (carbon-based) compounds synthesized by living organisms, classified into:

  • Proteins
  • Carbohydrates
  • Lipids
  • Nucleic acids

• Hundreds of enzyme-catalyzed biochemical reactions form biochemical pathways essential for sustaining life.

• Organisms consist of both organic and inorganic molecules, primarily made of 6 essential elements:

  • Carbon (C)
  • Hydrogen (H)
  • Oxygen (O)
  • Nitrogen (N)
  • Phosphorus (P)
  • Sulfur (S)

• Important trace elements include sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), magnesium (Mg2+), and calcium (Ca2+).