Introduction to Biochemistry PDF

Biochemistry Importance of biochemistry in Medicine Importance of biochemistry in Medicine Importance of biochemistry in Medicine Importance of biochemistry in Medicine Major Biomolecules (macromolecules) Major Biomolecules (macromolecules)  Many biological molecules are polymers: in this terminolo...

Biochemistry Importance of biochemistry in Medicine Importance of biochemistry in Medicine Importance of biochemistry in Medicine Importance of biochemistry in Medicine Major Biomolecules (macromolecules) Major Biomolecules (macromolecules)  Many biological molecules are polymers: in this terminology, monomers are relatively small molecules that are linked together to create large molecules (macromolecules) known as polymers. Major Biomolecules (macromolecules)  The science of biochemistry deals with the structures, bonding, functions, and interactions of biological macromolecules (often called biomolecules) such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Major Biomolecules (macromolecules)  They provide the structure of cells and perform many of the functions associated with life. The principal biomolecules in cells (proteins, polysaccharides, triglycerides, and nucleic acids) are polymer chains of amino acids, monosaccharides, fatty acids, and nucleotides, respectively. Biopolymers are formed by condensation reactions in which water is removed from the reacting monomer units. Metabolism anabolism catabolism Condensation Hydrolysis * They are organic compounds which contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. * They are widely distributed among tissues as they serve as energy source or enter in the structure of living tissue. Biomedical importance of carbohydrates * Carbohydrates are the main source of energy. * Carbohydrate food is rich in water soluble vitamins. * Formation of structural elements in plants. * Formation of glycolipids and glycoproteins that enter in the structure of cell membrane and interstitial tissues. Important monomers of carbohydrates Polysaccharides Definition Lipids are heterogeneous hydrophobic (insoluble in water) compounds with long hydrocarbon chains (-CH2- CH2- CH2- CH2-). They are soluble in non-polar solvents such as ether, chloroform and benzene The primary building block of many lipids is a fatty acid. The most common structural lipid in cell membranes, glycerophospholipid, contains 2 fatty acids, glycerol, and a polar head group. Meanwhile, the most common storage form of lipids, triglycerides, contains of 3 fatty acids. Biomedical importance of lipids 1. They form an important constituent in diet of high energy value & make diet palatable. 7. They serve as electrical insulator allowing rapid propagation of nerve impulse long the myelinated nerves. 6. They support as an internal support for some important organs as kidney. 5. They also serve as thermal insulator in the subcutaneous tissue. 2. They contain fat soluble vitamins & essential fatty acids. 3. They serve as an important storage for energy in the body. 4. They enter in the structure of cell membrane. Proteins * They are organic compounds of high molecular weight consisting of chains of α -amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Amino acids They are the building blocks of polypeptide chains of proteins. Biomedical importance of proteins Nucleic acids are macromolecules composed of nucleotide monomer units. Nucleotides themselves are composed of a monosaccharide, a nitrogenous base, and one or more phosphate groups. Biomedical importance of nucleotides The nucleotide ATP is the major energy currency of the cell Synthesis of RNA & DNA. Nucleotides play key roles in information transfer in all organisms (DNA → RNA → protein). Biomedical importance of nucleotides RNA also can carry out structural and enzymatic functions. A number of nucleic acid analogs are used to inhibit DNA synthesis and are extremely important in management of cancers and virally caused diseases such as AIDS.