Biochemistry Overview

Definition of Biochemistry

• Study of the chemistry of living organisms, emphasizing the transformation of lifeless molecules into life-supporting substances.
• Lifeless molecules maintain life when organized in specific structures within living organisms.
• These molecules adhere to physical and chemical laws governing matter but also exhibit unique interactions.

Principal Areas of Biochemistry

• Structural Chemistry: Examines the structure of biological components and their relationship to function.
• Metabolism: Encompasses all chemical reactions occurring within living organisms.
• Genetic Biochemistry: Investigates processes and substances vital for storing and transmitting genetic information, intersecting with molecular genetics.

Characteristics of Living Matter

• Biologically complex yet highly organized structures.
• Organisms extract, transform, and utilize energy, primarily from nutrients or sunlight.
• Capable of precise self-replication and self-assembly.

Molecular Logic of Life

• Refers to the principles guiding the interactions and functions of biomolecules.
• Fundamental objective of biochemistry is to explore how molecular interactions sustain life.

The Cell

• Cells are the basic structural and functional units of all living organisms.
• Living organisms can be unicellular (single-celled) or multicellular (many-celled), performing specialized functions.
• All cells share common features that facilitate diverse roles.

Bacterial Cell Structure

• Unique components and structures specific to bacterial cells, enhancing their functions.

Functions of Organelles

• Nucleus: Central hub for biochemical processes; primary site for DNA and RNA biosynthesis, acting as control center.
• Nucleoli: Ribosome-rich areas active in the synthesis of protein and RNA.
• Ribosomes: Sites for protein manufacturing; facilitate information transfer from DNA to protein.
• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Main cellular machinery separating newly synthesized molecules; includes:
  • Rough ER (RER): Involved in protein synthesis and RNA processing.
  • Smooth ER (SER): Responsible for lipid synthesis.
• Mitochondria: Energy powerhouse of cells; site of oxidation reactions and electron transport chains.
• Lysosomes: Key sites for intracellular digestion, can lead to cell rupture if malfunctioning; act as defense mechanisms.
• Golgi Apparatus: Functions as a packaging and modification center for proteins and carbohydrates; manages cellular transportation.

Cell Membrane

• Regulates the entry and exit of substances in cells; acts as a selective barrier.

Viruses

• Infectious agents characterized by small size and simple structure, capable of replication only within living cells of organisms like animals, plants, or bacteria.
• The term "virus" is derived from Latin, meaning "slimy liquid" or "poison."

Unique Role of Carbon in Biochemistry

• Carbon is fundamental for constructing biological molecules, forming the backbone structure for various functions.

Elements Essential for Life

• Identification of key elements necessary for sustaining life, contributing to biochemical processes.

Common Functional Groups of Biological Molecules

• Various functional groups play critical roles in the chemical behavior and interactions of biological molecules.

Biological Molecules and Functional Groups

• Typically, biological molecules are characterized by the presence of multiple functional groups, enhancing their chemical diversity and functions.