INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Introduction
§ Biochemistry study the chemistry of biological processes.
§ Biochemistry combined chemistry, physiology and biology to study
the chemistry of living systems.
§ Biochemistry is both a life science and a chemical science - it
explores the chemistry of living organisms and the molecular basis
for the changes occurring in living cells.
Introduction
• Biochemistry, sometimes called biological chemistry, is the study of
chemical processes within and relating to living organisms.
• By controlling information flow through biochemical signaling and
the flow of chemical energy through metabolism, biochemical
processes give rise to the complexity of life.
• Today, the main focus of pure biochemistry is on understanding
how biological molecules give rise to the processes that occur
within living cells
• Biochemistry is closely related to molecular biology, the study of
the molecular mechanisms by which genetic information encoded
in DNA is able to result in the processes of life.
Introduction
§ Biochemist determine how specific molecules such as proteins,
nucleic acids, lipids, vitamins and hormones function in biological
processes. Particular emphasis is placed on regulation of chemical
reactions in living cells.
§ Biochemistry provided explanations for the causes of many
diseases in humans, animals and plants. It can frequently suggest
ways by which such diseases may be treated or cured.
Biomolecules
The four main classes of molecules in biochemistry (often called
biomolecules) are
§ carbohydrates,
§ lipids,
§ proteins
§ nucleic acids
Scope
§ The knowledge and methods developed by biochemists are applied
to in all fields of medicine, in agriculture and in many chemical and
health related industries.
§ Biochemistry is also unique in providing teaching and research in
both protein structure/function and genetic engineering.