Fundamentals of Biochemistry Quiz

Course Information

• Course name: Fundamentals of Biochemistry
• Course code: BIOC 1251
• Instructor: Dr. Awatif Omran
• Email: [email protected]
• Department: Biochemistry department

Introduction to Biochemistry

• Biochemistry is the study of various molecules found in living cells and organisms, along with their chemical reactions.
• Essential textbooks include:
  • Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews Biochemistry
  • Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry
  • Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry

Mode of Study

• Students should use lecture notes, books, e-books, and internet websites for studying.

Course Content - Theoretical

• Overview of Biochemistry and its Principles
• Water, pH, and buffers
• Amino acids, structure, and classification
• Protein structure and function
• Introduction to enzymes
• Introduction to carbohydrates (monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides)
• Introduction to lipids (simple, complex, and derived lipids)
• Introduction to nucleic acids (nucleosides, nucleotides, DNA, RNA)
• Introduction to vitamins (water-soluble and fat-soluble)
• Introduction to hormones

Course Content - Practical

• Laboratory health and safety
• Laboratory tools and glassware
• Ninhydrin test
• Biuret test
• Molisch test
• Benedict's test
• Iodine/Potassium iodide test
• Copper acetate test
• Unsaturation test
• Solubility test
• Saponification test
• Salting out test
• Acrolein test
• DNA extraction from fruits
• Mid-term exam
• Final Exam

Assessments

• Quiz: Determined later, 10 points total
• Oral discussion/class activity: During the semester, 5 points total
• Mid-exam: Determined later (possibly by the 9th week), 20 points total
• Lab: 25 points total (lab report/exam)
• Final exam: Final exam, 40 points total; 15% of the total grade

Biochemistry Definition

• Biochemistry is the science concerned with studying various molecules that occur in living cells and organisms and their chemical reactions.

Biochemistry and Its Relationship to Other Fields

• Biochemistry combines concepts from biology, chemistry, and physics to understand biological processes at a molecular level.
• It is a foundation for understanding biological processes.
• It contributes to explaining diseases.

Biochemistry and Medicine

• There's a two-way relationship.
• Biochemistry describes chemical processes and helps explain health and disease.
• Understanding biochemical processes gives medical insights and treatments.

Types of Cells

• Prokaryotes: Lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., bacteria)
• Eukaryotes: Have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., plants, animals, fungi)

Biochemistry of the Cell

• The cell is structured with several components, including atoms, molecules, macromolecules, organelles, cells, tissues, and organ systems.
• "Life" in biochemistry is a complex interaction of hundreds of biochemical reactions and processes in cells.
• Cells require energy to maintain order and carry out life processes.
• All organisms share the same types of molecules, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
• The instructions for an organism's development are encoded in its DNA.

Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell Structure

• Prokaryotic cells have a nucleoid region for DNA, a cell membrane, a cell wall, and ribosomes for protein synthesis.
• Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, cell membrane, numerous organelles with various functions, and a cytoskeleton.

Composition of Cells

• Animal and plant cells consist of about 10,000 different biomolecules.
• Key biomolecules include water, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and ions. These biomolecules are involved in metabolic functions and maintaining cell structure.

Types of Compounds

• Organic compounds: Contain carbon atoms covalently bonded to hydrogen atoms (e.g., carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids).
• Inorganic compounds: Do not contain carbon or a carbon/hydrogen bond (e.g., water, inorganic salts).

Biochemical Substances

• Isolated bioinorganic and bioorganic substances lack life independently.
• Combined in cells, their interactions sustain life.
• Cells require materials, information, and energy for life.

Biomolecules

• The four main biomolecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
• Biomolecules are often polymers—long chains of repeating units (monomers).
• Monomers link together through dehydration synthesis.

Biomolecules – Structure

• Biomolecules have different building blocks (simple sugars, amino acids, nucleotides, fatty acids).
• These blocks form larger structures (polysaccharides, proteins, RNA/DNA, lipids).

Biochemical Reactions

• Metabolism: All chemical reactions within a living organism.
• Anabolism: Energy-requiring synthesis of molecules.
• Catabolism: Energy-releasing degradation of molecules.

Roles of Important Biomolecules

• Carbohydrates: Primary energy source.
• Lipids: Secondary energy source, structural components.
• Proteins: Structural and functional components.
• Vitamins: Accessory growth factors.
• Minerals: Essential for building and functioning.
• Enzymes: Catalyze biochemical reactions.
• Hormones: Chemical messengers regulating metabolism.

Summary

• Biochemistry is the study of life processes at the molecular level.
• Cells, their structure, and the energy required to maintain their state.
• Biochemical compounds are largely polymers assembled from monomers via dehydration synthesis.
• Life requires the interaction and exchange of various biomolecules.