Introducción a la Bioquímica

Introduction to Biochemistry

• Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes within and relating to living organisms.
• It focuses on the structure, function, and interactions of biomolecules—including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
• This field encompasses a wide range of topics, from the fundamental building blocks of life to complex biological systems.

Biomolecules

• Carbohydrates: These are organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They provide energy and structural support. Examples include sugars, starches, and cellulose. Their structure often involves carbon rings.
• Lipids: Lipids are a diverse group of hydrophobic molecules, including fats, oils, and steroids. They function as energy storage, insulation, and components of cell membranes. Triglycerides are a primary energy storage form.
• Proteins: Proteins are polymers of amino acids, crucial for a wide variety of functions in living organisms, including enzymatic catalysis, structural support, and transport. Amino acid sequence determines protein structure and function.
• Nucleic Acids: These are crucial for storing and transmitting genetic information. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) are prominent examples, comprising chains of nucleotides.

Enzymes

• Enzymes are biological catalysts, primarily proteins that accelerate biochemical reactions.
• Their function relies on their three-dimensional structure, which allows them to bind specific substrates.
• Factors such as temperature and pH can alter enzyme activity.
• Enzyme efficiency is crucial in most biochemical pathways to generate and regulate metabolic reactions.

Metabolism

• Metabolism encompasses all the biochemical reactions that occur within a living organism.
• It is divided into two main branches:
  • Catabolism: The breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy.
  • Anabolism: The synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy input.
• These processes are crucial for life and are tightly regulated.

Cellular Respiration

• Cellular respiration is a key catabolic pathway involved in energy production.
• It involves a series of oxidation-reduction reactions that ultimately produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy currency of the cell.
• The process occurs in multiple stages, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.

Photosynthesis

• Photosynthesis is an anabolic process unique to plants and some other organisms.
• It utilizes light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (a sugar).
• This process occurs in chloroplasts and is vital for energy production and oxygen release.

Nucleic Acids

• DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid): Carries genetic information; double stranded helix; composed of nucleotides (adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine).
• RNA (Ribonucleic Acid): Plays a role in protein synthesis; single-stranded; composed of nucleotides (adenine, uracil, guanine, cytosine).

Important Concepts in Biochemistry

• pH: A measure of acidity or alkalinity, critical for enzyme function and cellular processes.
• Buffers: Solutions that resist changes in pH, maintaining homeostasis. They balance acidity within cells for optimal function.
• Oxidation-Reduction Reactions: Reactions involving electron transfer, essential for energy production. Electron movement between molecules dictates energy release, important for metabolism.
• Homeostasis: The maintenance of a stable internal environment within an organism. Biochemistry plays a key role in maintaining this balance. Essential for the sustained operation of biological systems.