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Questions and Answers
What characterizes prokaryotic cells?
What characterizes prokaryotic cells?
What is the role of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells?
What is the role of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells?
Which organelle is responsible for energy production in eukaryotic cells?
Which organelle is responsible for energy production in eukaryotic cells?
Which organelle functions as the cell's 'post office'?
Which organelle functions as the cell's 'post office'?
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What feature distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells?
What feature distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells?
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Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins?
Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?
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What defines a peptide in terms of amino acid count?
What defines a peptide in terms of amino acid count?
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What is the primary function of lysosomes in a cell?
What is the primary function of lysosomes in a cell?
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Which elements are commonly found in all proteins?
Which elements are commonly found in all proteins?
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Where are phospholipids primarily synthesized in a eukaryotic cell?
Where are phospholipids primarily synthesized in a eukaryotic cell?
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Which type of protein is specifically involved in muscle contraction?
Which type of protein is specifically involved in muscle contraction?
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What is the typical structure of an alpha-amino acid?
What is the typical structure of an alpha-amino acid?
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What is the primary focus of Biochemistry in the context of medicine?
What is the primary focus of Biochemistry in the context of medicine?
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Which of the following biomolecules is NOT considered a major component of the human body?
Which of the following biomolecules is NOT considered a major component of the human body?
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What role do enzymes play in biological processes?
What role do enzymes play in biological processes?
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Which protein is known for its function in defense against pathogens?
Which protein is known for its function in defense against pathogens?
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Which process does NOT fall under the principle areas of Biochemistry?
Which process does NOT fall under the principle areas of Biochemistry?
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What role do trace elements play in the human body?
What role do trace elements play in the human body?
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What type of protein is hemoglobin classified as?
What type of protein is hemoglobin classified as?
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How are large biomolecules primarily classified?
How are large biomolecules primarily classified?
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What is indicated by a nutritional imbalance in the body?
What is indicated by a nutritional imbalance in the body?
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Which statement is true regarding the function of Biochemistry in nutrition?
Which statement is true regarding the function of Biochemistry in nutrition?
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What is NOT a classification of living cells?
What is NOT a classification of living cells?
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Study Notes
Introduction To Medical Biochemistry and Protein Chemistry
- Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes in living organisms.
- Living organisms contain a wide range of molecules, both simple and complex, including proteins, DNA, RNA, carbohydrates, and lipids.
- Biochemistry investigates the function, interaction, synthesis, and degradation of these molecules within living cells.
- Living organisms can extract, store and use energy.
Principle Areas Of Biochemistry
- Structure and function of biological macromolecules.
- Metabolism:
- Anabolic processes: building up molecules
- Catabolic processes: breaking down molecules
- Molecular Biology:
- How life is replicated
- How protein synthesis is regulated
Role Of Biochemistry In Medicine
- Biochemistry helps understand the chemical processes involved in various diseases.
- It aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases.
- It is a guide for discovering and applying therapies for diseases.
- In nutrition, biochemical tests determine the nutritional value of food.
- Maintaining health requires optimal intake of essential chemicals such as vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Nutritional imbalances lead to diseases.
Biomolecules
- The human body is composed of major elements (C, H, N, O, P, S), which are the primary components of important biomolecules like proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides, and lipids.
- Less abundant elements include Na, Mg, K, Ca, and Cl.
- Trace elements are present in smaller amounts, such as Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, and Zn.
- Water constitutes 60% of the body.
- The remaining components include proteins (17%), fat (14%), carbohydrates (1.5%), and minerals (6%).
- Large biomolecules are polymers, formed from monomers.
Types Of Cells
- Living cells are categorized into prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
-
Prokaryotes:
- Also known as 'before nucleus'
- Single-celled organisms like bacteria.
- Lack a nucleus and other organelles.
- Have only a plasma membrane.
-
Eukaryotes:
- Also known as 'true nucleus'
- Have a well-defined nucleus with a nuclear membrane.
- Can be single-celled, like yeasts, or multicellular, like animals and plants.
Prokaryote Cell
- Simplest cell type.
- Lack organelles.
- No nucleus.
- No membrane-bound organelles.
- DNA is not complexed with histones.
Eukaryote Cell
- More complex cell type.
- Contain organelles.
- Have a nucleus.
- More DNA.
- DNA is folded and contains histones.
Differences Between Prokaryotes & Eukaryotes
| Organelle | Prokaryotes | Eukaryotes |
|---|---|---|
| Nucleus | No definite nucleus; DNA present but not separated from the rest of the cell. | Present |
| Cell membrane | Present | Present |
| Mitochondria | None; enzymes for oxidation are on plasma membrane | Present |
| Endoplasmic reticulum | None | Present |
| Ribosomes | Present | Present |
Summary Of Cell Organelles And Their Functions
| Organelle | Function |
|---|---|
| Nucleus | Location of the main genome; site of most DNA and RNA synthesis |
| Mitochondria | Site of energy-production reactions; has its own DNA |
| Endoplasmic Reticulum | Rough: synthesis, folding, and modification of proteins. Smooth: synthesis of phospholipids and cholesterol |
| Golgi apparatus | Cell post office; involved in secretion of proteins to their cellular targets |
| Lysosomes | Contain hydrolytic enzymes responsible for the breakdown of different molecules |
| Peroxisomes | Breaks down H2O2 and other products that can damage cell components |
| Cell membrane | Separates the cell contents from the outside world |
Where Can We Find Proteins? Chemical Structure Of Proteins
- Proteins are the abundant macromolecules in living cells.
- All proteins contain the elements carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and nitrogen (N).
- Most proteins contain about 1% sulfur.
- Some specialized proteins contain phosphorus, like those found in milk.
Amino Acids
- Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
- They contain both an amino group and a carboxyl group.
- Alpha (α)-amino acids have the amino group on the carbon adjacent to the carboxyl group.
- All proteins are made up of a long chain of amino acids connected by peptide bonds and other bonds, forming a polypeptide chain.
- Proteins can consist of one or more polypeptide chains.
- All proteins, in all species, are formed from the same set of 20 amino acids.
Protein Nomenclature
- Peptides have 2-50 amino acids.
- Proteins have more than 50 amino acids.
- Amino acids are represented by three letter codes:
- Met-Gly-Glu-Thr-Arg-His
- Amino acids are represented by single letter codes:
- MGETRH
Types and Functions of Proteins
| Role | Examples | Functions |
|---|---|---|
| Enzymes | Amylase, lipase, pepsin | Catalysts; speed up reactions, break down nutrients in food into smaller pieces for absorption, catalyze all chemical reactions in the body |
| Transport | Hemoglobin | Carry substances throughout the body in the blood |
| Structure | Actin, collagen, keratin | Build different structures |
| Receptors | Mediates chemical, electrical, and hormonal stimuli | |
| Hormones | Insulin, glucagon | Coordinate the activity of different body systems |
| Defense | Antibodies | Protect the body from foreign pathogens |
| Contraction | Myosin | Carry out muscle contraction |
| Storage | Albumin, Ferritin | Serve as biological reserves of metal ions and amino acids; stores iron in the liver |
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