Biochemistry Introduction Quiz

Study Notes

Biochemistry systematically studies chemicals in living systems and their roles in biological processes.
Focuses on how cells manufacture vital molecules and maintain life through chemical reactions.
Describes the structure, organization, and functions of living matter at a molecular level.

Structural Chemistry:
- Examines components of living matter and links biological function to chemical structure.
Study of Metabolism:
- Encompasses all chemical reactions in living cells, converting food into energy for movement, thinking, and growth.
Molecular Genetics:
- Investigates heredity and the molecular expression of genetic information.

The term "biochemistry" first appeared in 1882, proposed in 1903 by Carl Neuberg, a German chemist.
Significant historical milestones:
- 1828: Friedrich Wohler synthesized urea from inorganic precursors, illustrating organic synthesis.
- 1878: Wilhelm Kuhne introduced the term "enzyme," originally referring to fermentative processes.
- 1897: Eduard Buchner demonstrated that yeast extracts could ferment sugars without living cells, highlighting enzymes' roles.
- 1926: James B. Sumner crystallized the enzyme urease, establishing it as a pure protein.
Advancements in the mid-20th century through techniques:
- Chromatography
- X-ray diffraction
- NMR spectroscopy
- Radioisotopic labeling
- Electron microscopy
- Molecular dynamics simulations
Key discoveries:
- Identified glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, contributions from Hans Krebs.
- Discovery of the urea cycle and glycoxylate cycle.
- In 1944, Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty demonstrated DNA as the genetic transformation agent.
Present applications of biochemistry span fields such as genetics, molecular biology, agriculture, and medicine.