BIOCHEMISTRY NOTES
1. INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMISTRY Definition: Study of chemical substances and vital
processes occurring in living organisms. Branches: - Structural biochemistry – study of molecular
structure. - Enzymology – study of enzymes and their reactions. - Metabolic biochemistry – study of
metabolism (anabolism & catabolism). Importance: - Explains disease mechanisms. - Basis for
clinical diagnosis and treatment. - Connects chemistry and biology.
2. BIOMOLECULES
A. Carbohydrates Definition: Organic compounds made of C, H, and O (general formula:
C■H■■O■). Functions: Energy source, storage, structural support. Classification: -
Monosaccharides (glucose, fructose). - Disaccharides (sucrose, maltose, lactose). -
Polysaccharides (starch, glycogen, cellulose). Tests: Benedict’s, Barfoed’s, Molisch’s, Iodine test.
B. Lipids Definition: Nonpolar molecules soluble in organic solvents (not in water). Types: - Simple
(fats & oils). - Compound (phospholipids, glycolipids). - Derived (steroids, cholesterol). Functions:
Energy storage, insulation, hormone synthesis, cell membrane structure.
C. Proteins Building blocks: Amino acids (20 types). Structure: - Primary (amino acid sequence) -
Secondary (α-helix, β-sheet) - Tertiary (3D folding) - Quaternary (multiple subunits) Functions:
Enzymatic, structural, transport, hormonal, defensive.
D. Nucleic Acids Types: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) & RNA (ribonucleic acid). Structure:
Nucleotides (sugar + phosphate + nitrogen base). Functions: Genetic information storage and
protein synthesis.
3. ENZYMES Definition: Biological catalysts that speed up reactions. Characteristics: Specificity,
efficiency, temperature and pH sensitivity. Mechanism: Lock and key / Induced fit model. Factors
affecting activity: Temperature, pH, substrate concentration, inhibitors. Enzyme inhibition: -
Competitive (binds active site). - Non-competitive (binds elsewhere). Examples: Amylase, lipase,
pepsin, catalase.
4. METABOLISM Definition: Total of all chemical reactions in a cell. Types: - Anabolism: Building up
molecules (requires energy). - Catabolism: Breaking down molecules (releases energy). Key
metabolic pathways: - Glycolysis – breakdown of glucose to pyruvate. - Krebs cycle – complete
oxidation of acetyl-CoA. - Electron Transport Chain – ATP synthesis. - Gluconeogenesis –
formation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. - β-oxidation – breakdown of fatty acids.
5. VITAMINS AND COENZYMES Vitamins: Organic compounds required in small amounts. -
Fat-soluble: A, D, E, K - Water-soluble: B-complex, C Coenzymes: Non-protein components that
assist enzyme activity (e.g., NAD■, FAD).
6. HORMONES Definition: Chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands. Types: - Peptide
hormones (insulin). - Steroid hormones (testosterone). - Amino acid derivatives (thyroxine).
Functions: Regulation of metabolism, growth, and homeostasis.
7. CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY Applications: - Blood glucose estimation. - Liver and kidney function
tests. - Enzyme assays for disease diagnosis. - Lipid profile for cardiovascular risk.
8. WATER AND ELECTROLYTES Water: Universal solvent, maintains temperature and transport.
Electrolytes: Na■, K■, Cl■, Ca²■ – maintain osmotic balance and nerve conduction.