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Questions and Answers
What is the main focus of biochemistry?
What is the main focus of biochemistry?
Biochemistry is an old science that has existed since ancient times.
Biochemistry is an old science that has existed since ancient times.
False
What are the organic catalysts called that facilitate chemical changes within an organism?
What are the organic catalysts called that facilitate chemical changes within an organism?
enzymes
Biochemistry studies the changes that occur during the development and life of ______.
Biochemistry studies the changes that occur during the development and life of ______.
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Match the following biochemistry-related terms with their correct descriptions:
Match the following biochemistry-related terms with their correct descriptions:
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Which branch of biochemistry focuses on the immune system and its defense mechanisms?
Which branch of biochemistry focuses on the immune system and its defense mechanisms?
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Animal biochemistry studies the chemical reactions occurring in plants.
Animal biochemistry studies the chemical reactions occurring in plants.
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What significant cloning achievement took place in 1995 related to animal biochemistry?
What significant cloning achievement took place in 1995 related to animal biochemistry?
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The study of enzymes is known as __________.
The study of enzymes is known as __________.
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Match the following branches of biochemistry with their focus:
Match the following branches of biochemistry with their focus:
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Study Notes
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
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Immunology: Study of the immune system's role in protecting and defending an organism
- Covers defense mechanisms
- Fights infections and diseases (HIV, cancer, others)
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Animal Biochemistry: Study of chemical composition and reactions in animals
- Covers animal metabolism, diseases, and cell functioning
- Includes cloning processes
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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.
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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
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Cell Biology: Study of cell structure and function
- Covers the life cycle, properties, and signalling pathways of cells
- Cells are fundamental units of life
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Metabolism: Study of chemical reactions in a living organism
- Involves breaking down larger molecules (catabolism) and building smaller molecules (anabolism)
- Energy production and utilization
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Description
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.
