Biochemistry Basics

Structural biology = Study of the structure of biological macromolecules Enzymology = Study of enzymes and their functions Metabolism = Study of chemical processes within living organisms Molecular biology = Study of molecular mechanisms of biological phenomena

Proteins = Provide the structure of cells and perform many life functions Nucleic acids = Carry genetic information and aid in protein synthesis Carbohydrates = Source of energy and structural support in cells Lipids = Energy storage, cell membrane structure, and signaling

Tissues and organs = Related to understanding of biological molecules and cellular processes Organism structure and function = Linked to the chemical basis of biological molecules and processes Living cells and between cells = Focus of understanding the chemical processes within living organisms Molecular mechanisms of biological phenomena = Closely related to biochemistry and its study

Proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids = Biological macromolecules providing cell structure and functions Small molecules and ions = Reactions affecting the chemistry of the cell Inorganic molecules (e.g., water, metal ions) = Constituents affecting the chemistry of the cell Organic molecules (e.g., amino acids) = Used in synthesizing proteins and affecting cellular reactions

Structural biology, enzymology, metabolism = Contributing fields in explaining living processes Biochemistry, molecular biology = Closely related disciplines explaining living processes Chemistry, biology = Parent disciplines contributing to explaining living processes Life sciences = Area being uncovered and developed through biochemical methodology and research