Biochemistry Basics

Study Notes

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical makeup of living things and the chemical reactions that occur within them.
It combines biology, chemistry, and bioenergetics to understand the interactions between living organic cells and their surroundings.

Enzymology: the study of enzymes and their roles in biochemical reactions.
Structural biology: the study of the structure and function of biological molecules.
Metabolism: the study of chemical reactions that occur within living organisms.

Agriculture: the study of biochemical processes in agricultural organisms and their products.
Medical Sciences: the application of biochemistry to understand human health and disease.
Food industry: the use of biochemistry to develop and improve food products.
Molecular and cellular biology: the study of the biological molecules and processes that occur within cells.
Genetics and biotechnology: the application of biochemistry to understand and manipulate genetic information.

The study of the biochemical processes in agricultural organisms, such as crops, livestock, and aquatic organisms.
It covers the chemistry and biology of these organisms.

A process that occurs in green plants and certain other organisms, where light is transformed into chemical energy.
It involves the conversion of water, carbon dioxide, and minerals into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds.

Light-dependent stage (or "light" reactions): involves chlorophyll absorbing light energy, generating ATP and NADPH.
Dark stage (or Calvin cycle): uses ATP and NADPH to produce glucose from atmospheric carbon dioxide.

A light-energized oxidation-reduction process that involves the oxidation of water and the reduction of carbon dioxide.
The energy from light is used to drive the oxidation of water, producing oxygen gas, hydrogen ions, and electrons.
The electrons and hydrogen ions are then used to reduce carbon dioxide to organic products, such as carbohydrates.