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Questions and Answers
Which of the following macromolecules is primarily responsible for the storage and transmission of genetic information?
Which of the following macromolecules is primarily responsible for the storage and transmission of genetic information?
What property of water makes it an excellent solvent for biological reactions?
What property of water makes it an excellent solvent for biological reactions?
What type of bond is formed when two atoms share electrons?
What type of bond is formed when two atoms share electrons?
Which type of bond is primarily responsible for the unique properties of water, such as its high boiling point?
Which type of bond is primarily responsible for the unique properties of water, such as its high boiling point?
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In which process do organisms convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP)?
In which process do organisms convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP)?
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Which macromolecule type is not directly involved in energy storage?
Which macromolecule type is not directly involved in energy storage?
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What characteristic of proteins is crucial for their functionality in biological processes?
What characteristic of proteins is crucial for their functionality in biological processes?
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What is the primary reason that water exhibits high surface tension?
What is the primary reason that water exhibits high surface tension?
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Which macromolecule is NOT categorized under the types mentioned?
Which macromolecule is NOT categorized under the types mentioned?
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What property of water is most responsible for its ability to dissolve many substances?
What property of water is most responsible for its ability to dissolve many substances?
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What type of bond is formed through the sharing of electron pairs between atoms?
What type of bond is formed through the sharing of electron pairs between atoms?
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Which of the following describes the role of hydrogen bonds in water?
Which of the following describes the role of hydrogen bonds in water?
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Which statement about energy transformation in living organisms is true?
Which statement about energy transformation in living organisms is true?
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Which macromolecule is primarily responsible for storing genetic information?
Which macromolecule is primarily responsible for storing genetic information?
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Why is starch not soluble in water despite being made of sugars?
Why is starch not soluble in water despite being made of sugars?
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What is the primary reason life on Earth is often described as carbon-based?
What is the primary reason life on Earth is often described as carbon-based?
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What type of molecules can dissociate to form ions in solution?
What type of molecules can dissociate to form ions in solution?
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Which of the following correctly describes hydrophobic substances?
Which of the following correctly describes hydrophobic substances?
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What is the approximate volume of intracellular fluid (ICF) in a 70 kg adult?
What is the approximate volume of intracellular fluid (ICF) in a 70 kg adult?
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How is extracellular fluid (ECF) primarily divided in the body?
How is extracellular fluid (ECF) primarily divided in the body?
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Which component of body water makes up approximately 5% of total body water?
Which component of body water makes up approximately 5% of total body water?
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What distinguishes the fluid in dense connective tissue and cartilage from other body fluids?
What distinguishes the fluid in dense connective tissue and cartilage from other body fluids?
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What term is used for extracellular fluid collections formed by the transport or secretory activities of cells?
What term is used for extracellular fluid collections formed by the transport or secretory activities of cells?
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What percentage of total body water does interstitial tissue fluid constitute?
What percentage of total body water does interstitial tissue fluid constitute?
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Study Notes
Medical Biochemistry
- Medical biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes that occur within a human organism, specifically focusing on how these processes relate to health and disease.
- Clinical biochemistry is a sub-discipline of medical biochemistry that deals with the analysis of bodily fluids (like blood and urine) to identify and diagnose diseases.
The Chemical Elements of Life
- 6 main elements make up over 97% of the mass of most organisms:
- Carbon (C)
- Hydrogen (H)
- Nitrogen (N)
- Oxygen (O)
- Phosphorus (P)
- Sulfur (S)
- These elements can form stable covalent bonds, which are essential for building complex molecules.
Macromolecules
- Macromolecules are large molecules made up of smaller repeating subunits called monomers.
- Examples of macromolecules:
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA)
- Lipids
Energetics of Life
- Living organisms require a constant energy source to maintain life, grow, and reproduce.
- The primary source of energy for life on Earth is the sun.
Water
- Water is the most abundant molecule in most cells, making up 60-90% of cell mass.
- Water is often referred to as a “universal solvent” due to its ability to dissolve many substances.
Electrolytes
- Electrolytes are molecules that can dissociate into ions when dissolved in water.
- Substances that dissolve in water are hydrophilic (water-loving).
- Substances that don’t dissolve in water are hydrophobic (water-fearing).
Distribution of Body Water
- Total body water in adults (70kg) ranges from 60-70% (36-49 liters) of total body weight.
- The body water is divided into two compartments:
- Intracellular fluid (ICF): Fluid inside cells (~50%)
- Extracellular fluid (ECF): Fluid outside cells (~20%)
Extracellular Fluid
- The ECF is further divided into:
- Plasma: Fluid within the heart and blood vessels (~5%)
- Interstitial fluid (ITF): Fluid between cells (~15%)
- Fluid of dense connective tissues: Fluid within cartilage and bone (~7.5%)
- Transcellular fluid: Fluids produced by cells (e.g., saliva, cerebrospinal fluid)
Biochemistry as a Modern Science
- Friedrich Wohler (1800-1882) is known as one of the founders of biochemistry.
- Wohler synthesized urea, proving that organic compounds could be created in the lab from inorganic substances.
- Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) made significant contributions to biochemistry, including the discovery of stereoisomers.
Key Breakthroughs in Biochemistry
- Discovery of the role of enzymes as catalysts.
- Discovery of nucleic acids as information-carrying molecules.
Importance of Protein Structure
- The second half of the 20th century saw advancements in structural biology, particularly in understanding protein structures.
- The first protein structures were solved in the 1950s and 1960s by scientists at Cambridge University, led by John C. Kendrew and Max Perutz.
- Understanding protein structures is crucial for understanding their function and how they contribute to biological processes.
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Description
Explore the foundational concepts of medical biochemistry, including the essential chemical elements of life and the structure of macromolecules. Understand how these elements and macromolecules contribute to living organisms and their functions. This quiz delves into topics vital for clinical analysis and disease diagnosis.
