Introduction to Biochemistry

Biochemistry Definition

• Study of chemical substances and processes in plants, animals, and microorganisms
• Includes changes during development and life
• Employs analytical, organic, and physical chemistry techniques
• Examines the chemistry of life processes
• Covers chemical changes within organisms, including metabolism (degradation or buildup of molecules)
• Metabolism depends on enzymes, which in turn depend on the cell's genetic apparatus
• Biochemistry is relevant to medicine (disease, drug action), nutrition, genetics, and agriculture

Biochemistry Synonymous Terms

• Physiological chemistry
• Biological chemistry

Molecular Biology

• Focuses on chemistry and function of large molecules (proteins, nucleic acids)
• Often grouped with biochemistry
• Became a recognized science around 1900
• Early history closely linked to both physiology and chemistry

Primary Branches of Biochemistry

• Immunology: Study of the immune system's role in protecting and defending an organism
  • Covers defense mechanisms
  • Fights infections and diseases (HIV, cancer, others)
• Animal Biochemistry: Study of chemical composition and reactions in animals
  • Covers animal metabolism, diseases, and cell functioning
  • Includes cloning processes
• Enzymology: Study of enzymes and their functions
  • Discusses enzyme kinetics, structure, and role in controlling reaction rates
  • Enzymes act on substrates to produce required products, increasing reaction rates by lowering the activation energy.
• Plant Biochemistry: Studies structures, functions, and chemical reactions of plants
  • Focuses on plant energy systems, defense mechanisms, and life cycles
  • Photosynthesis is integral to plant biochemistry
• Cell Biology: Study of cell structure and function
  • Covers the life cycle, properties, and signalling pathways of cells
  • Cells are fundamental units of life
• Metabolism: Study of chemical reactions in a living organism
  • Involves breaking down larger molecules (catabolism) and building smaller molecules (anabolism)
  • Energy production and utilization
• Molecular Biology: Study of macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids) at a molecular level
  • Includes structure, function, and makeup of these molecules
  • Central dogma of molecular biology (transcription & translation)
  • Techniques: PCR, cloning, blotting (Southern, Northern, Western, Eastern), gel electrophoresis, microarrays
• Genetics: Study of genes, variation, and heredity
  • Explains the transmission of traits from one generation to the next
  • Includes genetic diseases, physical characteristics (height, eye color), and more

Secondary Branches of Biochemistry

• Blood Biochemistry: Studies the structure and function of blood
  • Includes oxygen transport, waste removal, and defense mechanisms
  • Blood acts as a tissue, and also transports oxygen to body parts
• Medical Biochemistry: Applied biochemistry for understanding human metabolism and disease
  • Focus on diseases and metabolic reactions

Importance of Biochemistry

• Critical in numerous fields (agriculture, medicine, research)
• Aids in understanding and controlling diseases, particularly in areas like wheat and rice
• Used to control damages caused by pesticides
• Plays a significant role in diagnosing illnesses

Explore the fundamental concepts of biochemistry, which focuses on the chemical processes and substances in biological systems. This quiz covers topics such as metabolism, enzyme functions, and the significance of biochemistry in medicine and agriculture. Dive into the essential branches of biochemistry, including molecular biology and immunology.