Introduction to Biochemistry PDF

# Chapter #1: Introduction to Biochemistry ## 1. Biochemistry: * A field encompassing **Medical Biochemistry** and **Clinical Biochemistry** ## 2. Aim and Objectives To Study Biochemistry: * To gain knowledge of the various biomolecules found in the human body. * Understand the chemistry and st...

# Chapter #1: Introduction to Biochemistry ## 1. Biochemistry: * A field encompassing **Medical Biochemistry** and **Clinical Biochemistry** ## 2. Aim and Objectives To Study Biochemistry: * To gain knowledge of the various biomolecules found in the human body. * Understand the chemistry and structure of these biomolecules. * Learn about their occurrence and location within the body. * Understand the functions and roles of these biomolecules. * Comprehend the organized biochemical processes occurring in living cells at the molecular/sub-cellular level. ## 3. Syllabus of Biochemistry: * **Study of various biochemical constituents of the cell**: * Chemistry, properties, functions, metabolism, and related disorders. * **Biomolecules Include**: * Carbohydrates * Lipids * Proteins * Vitamins * Minerals * Water ## 4. Assessment Tasks for Students: | # | Assessment Task | Week Due | Percentage of Total Assessment Score | |---|---|---|---| | 1 | Assignment 1+ 2 | 4, 10 | 10% | | 2 | Midterm 1 Exam | 8 | 20% | | 3 | Presentation | 13 | 10% | | 4 | Final Practical Exam | 14 | 20% | | 5 | Final Theoretical Exam | 16 | 40% | ## 5. What is Biochemistry? * The study of chemical substances and processes that occur in plants, animals, and microorganisms, and the changes they undergo during development and life. * **Metabolism** is the term used for all chemical changes within the organism, which include: * **Degradation of substances**: generally used to gain energy * **Build up of complex molecules**: essential for life processes ## 6. Where Are These Biochemical reactions Occur? * **Cellular or molecular level**: * Different sub-cellular organelles perform distinct sets of biochemical reactions to sustain life. * **DNA in the nucleus controls all these reactions**: ## 7. Functions of Sub Cellular Organelles: * **Nucleus**: * Controls the cell by carrying the genetic material DNA * **Endoplasmic reticulum**: * Site for protein synthesis * **Ribosome**: * Associated with ER, assembles amino acids for protein synthesis * **Golgi apparatus**: * Transports and secretes proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides * **Lysosomes**: * Digestive tract of the cell * **Mitochondria**: * The power house of the cell, provides energy (ATP) for cellular functions ## 8. What is our Body Made Up of? * **Cells**: * A group of cells forms tissues, a group of tissues form organs, and a group of organs forms the body * **Chemical composition of our body**: * **Inorganic components**: Iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, etc. * **Organic components**: (Macromolecules) * Carbohydrates * Lipids * Proteins * Nucleic Acids ## 9. Carbohydrates: * **Simple**: glucose * **Complex**: glycogen * **Functions**: * Major source of energy * Storage form - glycogen * Used to produce biologically important substances. ## 10. Lipids: * **Simple**: fatty acids * **Complex**: cholesterol * **Functions**: * Major component of cell membranes. * Source of energy. * Cover and protect internal organs. * Required for the synthesis of various biologically important substances, e.g., steroid hormones. ## 11. Proteins: * **Functions**: * Fundamental basis of structure and function of the body. * **Enzymes**: are proteins in nature (with a few exceptions), and they increase the speed of biochemical reactions. * Proteins are responsible for all functions in the body. * **Major Organic Component**: of the body, made up of amino acids. * **Simple**: Albumin * **Complex**: Hemoglobin ## 12. Nucleic Acids: * Made up of a chain of nucleotides. * **DNA and RNA**: * **Functions**: * **DNA**: carries the genetic information for all activities occurring in the body. * **DNA**: responsible for inheritance. * **RNA**: carries information from DNA (in the nucleus) to the cytoplasm and aids in protein synthesis. ## 13. From Where Does Out Body Get These Organic Components? * Sources: * **Endogenous Source**: synthesized in the body * **Exogenous Source**: obtained from the diet. * **Carbohydrates**: table sugar, rice, bread, milk, fruits, etc. * **Nucleic Acids**: meat, fish, etc. * **Proteins**: egg, pulses, meat, fish, etc. * **Lipids**: butter, oil, etc.