Introduction to Biochemistry Quiz

Definition: Biochemistry is the study of the structure, composition, and chemical reactions of substances in living systems.
Scope: Encompasses organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry related to living organisms.

Complexity: Living organisms are complex and highly organized, with cells housing intricate internal structures.
Energy Transformation: They can extract and transform energy from the environment to build and maintain structures.
Replication: Living organisms possess DNA, allowing them to replicate.

Animal Biochemistry (Physiological Chemistry): Investigates chemical processes in animals.
Plant Biochemistry (Phytochemistry): Focuses on chemical processes in plants.

Classification: Biochemical reactions are categorized into catabolic (degradative) and anabolic (synthetic).
- Catabolic reactions break down organic compounds (e.g., fermentation).
- Anabolic reactions construct biomolecules from simpler ones (e.g., photosynthesis).
Energy Requirements: Many biochemical reactions rely on ATP for energy.
Conditions: Biochemical reactions take place under mild conditions in aqueous solutions, differing from ordinary chemical reactions.
Regulation and Localization: These reactions are organized into pathways, regulated, and take place within cells.
Enzyme Activity: Enzymes act as catalysts, accelerating reactions necessary for survival, such as digestion.

Oxidation: Involves the combination of oxygen with another substance, resulting in energy release.
- Aerobic Oxidation: Occurs in the presence of oxygen.
- Anaerobic Oxidation: Takes place without oxygen, involving loss of hydrogen or electrons.
Reduction: Involves the loss of oxygen or gain of electrons/hydrogen.
Hydrolysis: A reaction that involves a substance combining with water, leading to the breakdown of large molecules into smaller ones, e.g., during digestion.

Mildness: Energy changes are gentle, attributed to the high specific heat of water in protoplasm.
Speed: Reactions occur rapidly due to enzyme facilitation.
Orderliness: High degree of order is maintained through cell specialization across different organs.

Individual Needs: Lab gown, gloves, face mask, activity sheet/manual, 70% alcohol, drawing materials (colored pencils, pencil).
Group Supplies: Disinfectants (Zonrox, Lysol), antibacterial soap (e.g., Safeguard), tissue/paper towels, yellow garbage bags, sponge, larger alcohol, scissors, lighter, glass slides, cover slips.

Entry: Only enter the lab when permitted, and arrive on time.
Preparation: Read experiment procedures thoroughly and understand the underlying theories.
Organization: Maintain a clean workspace and place belongings appropriately to avoid clutter.
Cleaning: Always disinfect the working area before starting any experiment.
Instructor Presence: Conduct experiments only with the instructor present or authorized.

PPE Usage: Always wear personal protective equipment.
Chemical Handling: Read labels carefully; never touch or taste chemicals.
Contamination Prevention: Use spatulas and pipettes separately for solid and liquid reagents.

Chemical Disposal: Do not return excess chemicals to their original containers. Use labeled vessels for sharing or appropriate collection jars.
Proper Dilution: For chemicals to be disposed of, dilute with water before draining unless otherwise instructed.

Acid Dilution: Always add acid to water, never the reverse to prevent reactions.
Experiment Monitoring: Never leave ongoing experiments unattended and do not perform unauthorized experiments.

Types of Microscopes:
- Optical/Light Microscope: Uses lenses to produce images, with a resolution limit of approximately 1000 nanometers.
- Electron Microscope: Uses electron beams, includes Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).
- Stereo Microscope: Provides a three-dimensional view, ideal for dissections.

Optical Parts: Eyepiece/ocular, body tube, objectives (scanning, low, high, oil immersion).
Mechanical Parts: Draw tube, revolving nosepiece, stage, arm, base.
Illuminating Parts: Mirror, light bulb, iris diaphragm, condenser.

Carrying: Always hold by the base and arm.
Slide Positioning: Center slide on the stage and secure with clips.
Initial Observation: Use the lowest power objective for initial focusing and adjust lighting as necessary.
Post-Usage Care: Clean the microscope after use, ensure lenses are protected, and return correctly to storage.

Magnification Calculation: Multiply ocular lens magnification by objective lens magnification to achieve total magnification.
Resolution: Ability to distinguish between closely spaced objects; higher numerical aperture (NA) equates to better resolution.

Neatness and Safety: Prioritize cleanliness and safety at all times in the lab for effective and accurate experimentation. Always follow safety protocols to prevent accidents.