Biochemistry Introduction Quiz

Biochemistry: Introduction and Importance

• Examines chemical processes in living organisms essential for digestion, respiration, metabolism, growth, and reproduction.
• Every biological function involves chemical reactions, focusing on cell composition and processes.

Scope of Biochemistry

• Investigates the chemical processes in living matter, including the components of tissues.
• Analyzes the role of foods and vitamins in cellular functions.
• Studies enzymes, their nature, and function as biocatalysts.

Chemical Composition of Living Matter

• Organic Compounds: Contain carbon in various forms:
  • Carbohydrates: Sugars and starches with the formula C, H, O in a 1:2:1 ratio.
  • Lipids: Phospholipids and triglycerides, with more C and H compared to O; insoluble in water.
  • Proteins: Composed of amino acids containing C, H, O, N, and sometimes S; includes fibrous (structural) and globular (functional) forms.
  • Nucleic Acids: Include DNA (genetic material) and RNA (involved in protein synthesis), with ATP serving as a chemical energy molecule.

Properties of Water

• Major component of cells, characterized by:
  • High Specific Heat: Maintains temperature stability in organisms.
  • High Latent Heat of Vaporization: Regulates body temperature through evaporation.
  • High Latent Heat of Fusion: Affects ice formation and melting.
  • High Surface Tension: Facilitates capillary action and influences cell membrane function.
• Water properties can change depending on solutes.

Acids and Bases

• Acids: Sour taste, can dissolve metals, act as proton donors.
• Bases: Bitter taste, slippery feel, act as proton acceptors and dissociate in water.

Biochemistry of Tissues

• Tissues consist of 70%-90% water and 10%-30% solids; 1% inorganic components, remainder organic.

Study of Enzymes

• Enzymes: Proteins that speed up biochemical reactions; affected by substrates, inhibitors, and activators.
• Denaturation: Loss of enzyme function due to heat or pH changes.
• Enzymes are utilized in commercial applications, such as antibiotics and detergents.

Chemical Reactions in Living Matter

• Oxidation: Energy is released by oxidizing organic compounds.
• Reduction: Gaining electrons or hydrogen atoms.
• Hydrolysis: Water breaks down compounds into simpler molecules.
• Condensation: Simple molecules combine to form complex products.
• Tautomerism: Rearrangement of atoms within a molecule.

Specialized Cells

• Specialized cells have distinct structures tailored for their functions, differing in plant and animal cells.

Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

• Prokaryotic Cells: Small, simple, without compartmentalization.
• Eukaryotic Cells: Larger, more complex, with compartmentalized structures.

Structures of Prokaryotic Cells

• Capsule: Aids in adhesion and protects against phagocytosis.
• Cell Wall: Provides protection and shape.
• Plasma Membrane: Regulates substance passage.
• Nucleoid: Contains DNA.
• Ribosomes: Sites for protein synthesis.
• Cytoskeleton: Maintains shape and enables movement.

Components of Animal Cells

• Nucleus: Contains genetic material and regulates activities.
• Ribosomes: Synthesize proteins.
• Mitochondria: Energy production via cellular respiration.
• Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.
• Lysosomes: Digestive organelles for waste breakdown.
• Cytoskeleton: Provides support and movement facilitation.

Components of Plant Cells

• Cell Wall: Rigid, made of cellulose, providing protection.
• Chloroplast: Involved in photosynthesis, converting sunlight to energy.
• Central Vacuole: Stores substances and maintains turgor pressure.
• Plasmodesmata: Channels facilitating communication and substance transport between cells.

Test your knowledge on the fundamental concepts of biochemistry and its significance in medical science. This quiz covers key chemical processes that are essential for understanding life processes such as digestion, respiration, and metabolism.