What is biochemistry?

Biochemistry (Greek: Bios means Life) is the branch of science that deals with study of chemical basis of life, i.e. study of chemistry of living matters at cellular and molecular level in living beings that may be human body, animal, plant or microorganism. Biochemistry also includes study of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry to the extent to which each of them is related to the chemistry of living beings. The term ‘Biochemistry’ was introduced by Carl Neuberg in 1903.
Living matters are composed of various inanimate (lifeless) bio-molecules like carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, peptides, amino acids, nucleic acids and minerals, which contribute to chemical basis of life in a living body. To understand the chemical basis of life, it is essential to study the chemistry, biological functions and biochemical reactions (metabolic processes) of these inanimate bio-molecules. For example carbohydrates and lipids are chief source of energy for physical activities, metabolic and physiological functions. Proteins are required for tissue repair, growth and development of body. Lipids and proteins are important constituents of bio-membranes of cells, which are ‘structural and functional unit’ of life. Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are required for storage, expression and transfer of genetic information. Other bio-organic molecules like vitamins either serve as coenzymes in various biochemical reactions or directly participate in several physiological functions such as maintenance of blood calcium and phosphate level, vision, blood coagulation, etc. Enzymes, hormones and neurotransmitters play pivotal role in regulating the metabolic and physiological functions in a living body.
Ref: Textbook of Biochemistry with Biomedical Significance for Medical and Dental Students Book Online at Low Prices in India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What are the Classification of Amino acids?

Image
Amino acids can be  classified  into 4 types: Classification based on the position of “-NH 2 ” Classification based on the composition of “-R’ side chain Classification based on the Nutritional requirement Classification based on the Metabolic Fate a) Classification based on the position of “-NH 2 ”: Amino acids can be classified into THREE types: i)  α-amino acid:  The amino group attached to the next carbon of the carboxyl group is called “α-amino acid” All naturally occurring amino acids are in “α-L-amino acids”. ii)  β-amino acid:  the amino group attached to the third carbon (numbering from Carboxyl group) of the amino acid is called “β-amino acid”. Eg: β-alanine, it is one of the end product of  Pyrimidine catabolism . iii)  γ-amino acid:  the amino group attached to the Fourth carbon (numbering from Carboxyl group) of the amino acid is called “γ-amino acid”. Eg: GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid) amino acid types based...
Read more

Chemiosmotic Theory by ATP Synthase Complex

Image
ATP is synthesized by  ATP Synthase , which is an enzyme complex made of a proton-conducting F­­ 0 unit and a catalyst F 1  unit. The mitochondrial inner membrane contains the ATP synthesizing enzyme complex called ‘ ATP synthase ’(or) ‘ F 0  F 1 -ATPase ’. (F for factor). F 1  component is like a “door-knob” protruding into the matrix from the inner membrane. It is attached by a stalk to F 0  component, which is embedded in the inner membrane and extends across it, (“O” denotes, it is the protein of enzyme which binds the toxic antibiotic “Oligomycin”). Thus the physiological role of the F 1  component is to catalyze the synthesis of ATP. The spherical F 1  component (MW=360Kdal) contains a polypeptide chain subunits of five kinds (designated as α,β,γ,δ and ε) arranged into a cluster. It has many binding sites for ATP and ADP. The cuboid F 0 component is a hydrophobic segment of polypeptide chains. F­ 0  is the proton channel of the en...
Read more

Biosynthesis of Saturated Fatty acids Notes

Image
Glucose entering the  TCA cycle  is used for the  biosynthesis of saturated fatty acids  by converting TCA Cycle citrate to acetyl coenzyme~A (acetyl~CoA), and then malonyl~CoA, which is used to produce palmitate. The glycerol backbone of TGs comes from glycolytic glycerol-3-phosphate. Triglycerides are the primary lipid synthesized, and serve as a starting point for other lipids such as steroids and phospholipids. Biosynthesis of  Saturated Fatty acids  primarily occurs in hepatocyte cytoplasm. Acetyl CoA and NADPH are both necessary for Biosynthesis of Saturated Fatty acids. Steps involved in Biosynthesis of Saturated Fatty acids: Acetyl Coenzyme A: Coenzyme A consists of and chain made up of ADP, pantothenic acid, and triethanolamine, with an H 2 S group on the end which binds the acetate group of acetyl CoA. Acetyl CoA is produced in the matrix of the mitochondria, but fatty acid biosynthesis occurs in the cytosol. Citrate synthase frees...
Read more