Introduction Into Biochemistry
What is Biochemistry? Biochemistry = chemistry of life. Biochemists use physical and chemical principles to explain biology at the molecular level. Basic principles of biochemistry are common to all living organism
How does biochemistry impact you? Medicine Agriculture Industrial applications Environmental applications
Principle Areas of Biochemistry Structure and function of biological macromolecules Metabolism – anabolic and catabolic processes. Molecular Genetics – How life is replicated. Regulation of protein synthesis
Origins of Biochemistry: A challenge to “Vitalism.” Famous Dead Biochemist!
Fallacy #1: Biochemicals can only be produced by living organisms 1828 Friedrich Wohler Dead Biochemist #1
Glucose + Dead Yeast = Alcohol Fallacy #2: Complex bioconversion of chemical substances require living matter Dead Biochemists #2 1897 Eduard Buchner Glucose + Dead Yeast = Alcohol
Fallacy #2: Complex bioconversion of chemical substances require living matter Dead Biochemists #3 Emil Fischer
Organization of Life elements simple organic compounds (monomers) macromolecules (polymers) supramolecular structures organelles cells tissues organisms
Range of the sizes of objects studies by Biochemist and Biologist 1 angstrom = 0.1 nm
Important compounds, functional groups
Many Important Biomolecules are Polymers lipids proteins carbo nucleic acids monomer polymer supramolecular structure
Lipids monomer polymer supramolecular structure
Proteins monomer polymer supramolecular structure amino acid Enzyme complex protein subunit amino acid
Carbohydrates monomer polymer supramolecular structure
Nucleic Acids monomer polymer supramolecular structure
Monomers form polymers through condensations Common theme: Monomers form polymers through condensations Polymers are broken down through hydrolysis.