Biochemistry
Introduction
Biochemistry, also known as biological chemistry, is a scientific discipline that studies the 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.
History of Biochemistry
The history of biochemistry can be said to have started with the ancient Greeks who were interested in the composition and processes of life, although biochemistry as a specific scientific discipline has its beginning around the early 19th century. Some argued that the beginning of biochemistry may have been the discovery of the first enzyme, diastase, in 1833 by Anselme Payen.
Principles of Biochemistry
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. Much of biochemistry deals with the structures and functions of cellular components such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules.
Proteins
Proteins are the workhorses of the cell, performing a vast array of functions. The function of a protein is directly dependent on its three-dimensional structure. Remarkably, proteins spontaneously fold up into three-dimensional structures that are determined by the sequence of amino acids in the protein polymer.
Carbohydrates and Lipids
Carbohydrates play a crucial role in the energy supply of the cell. In addition to their role in energy storage, carbohydrates also serve as a structural material (cellulose), a component of the lubricants and protective substances (mucous, wax), and participate in cell recognition processes as part of the cell membrane.
Lipids are a diverse group of compounds that are largely nonpolar in nature. This is because they are hydrocarbons that include mostly nonpolar carbon–carbon or carbon–hydrogen bonds. Non-polar molecules are hydrophobic or 'water fearing'.
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids, so-called because of their prevalence in cellular nuclei, is the generic name of the family of biopolymers. They are complex, high-molecular-weight biochemical macromolecules that can convey genetic information.
Biochemical Techniques
Biochemical techniques refer to a set of methods, assays, and procedures that enable scientists to analyze the substances found in living organisms and the chemical reactions underlying life processes.
Biochemical Pathways
Biochemical pathways are series of chemical reactions occurring within a cell. In a pathway, the initial chemical (metabolite) is modified by a sequence of chemical reactions. These reactions are aided by enzymes, where the product of one enzyme acts as the substrate for the next.
Clinical Biochemistry
Clinical biochemistry refers to the analysis of the blood plasma (or serum) for a wide variety of substances—substrates, enzymes, hormones, etc—and their use in diagnosis and monitoring of disease.