Biochemistry

I. Introduction
A. Definition
Biochemistry is a branch of chemistry that
deals with the molecular nature of life processes.

It is a multi-disciplinary field that studies

the substances that compose living organisms.

It particularly involves organic chemistry- a

study of compounds of Carbon and Hydrogen and
their derivatives.
B. Significance
In the medical field, biochemistry enables us to
understand diagnoses of diseases and how a substance
taken in (food or drug) produces its intended effect by
affecting the chemical composition of the cells / body

eg.,
infant disorders such as lactose intolerance, jaundice,
dark urine
treatment via antibiotics and chemotherapy
monitoring of diseases using molecular markers
C. Scope
1. a survey of biologically important organic
compounds / hydrocarbons
2. the process that first led on to the
formation of organic molecules
3. the interaction between and among the
organic molecules that leads into cell
formation and function
4. the classification, characteristics, and
reactions / metabolic processes undergone by
biomolecules
1. a survey of biologically important
organic compounds / hydrocarbons
Life forms are mostly composed of Carbon-
based substances, which are the concerns of organic
chemistry.

Carbon-based substances, also known as

organic molecules, are classified according to their
functional groups, each functional group determining
the molecule’s behavior during a reaction.

Functional groups of biologically-important

molecules contain O and N, the most electronegative
elements. As a result, these molecules are polar and
highly reactive in a cellular environment.
 Table 1.1.
Biologically-important Molecules
2. the process that first led on to the
formation of organic molecules

After life evolved, biomolecules

(carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and
proteins), are formed only through life
processes (Biosynthesis) inside living systems.

During the Prehistoric Times, life is

believed to have evolved via the
Chemosynthetic Pathway which was proven
valid by the Miller-Urey Experiment.
 Figure 1.1.
Miller-Urey Experiment
 3. the interaction between and among
the organic molecules that leads into cell
formation, function, and specialization

C, H,O combine to form carbohydrates and fatty acids.

C, H, O, N, S combine to form amino acids and proteins.
C, H, O, N, S, P combine to form nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and
lipids.
These building up of atoms to form molecules happens within a
membrane (cell).
Cells, via the execution of the chemical messages contained in their
DNA, exhibit life processes.
Cells formed are either prokaryotic (without nucleus and
membrane-bound organelles) or eukaryotic (with nucleus and
membrane-bound organelles).
Prokaryotes (bacteria) remain unicellular.
Eukaryotes differentiate into unicellular (protists and fungi) and
multicellular (plants and animals) foms that specialize further
by building up tissues, organs, and organ systems.
Figure 1.2a. Prokaryotic Cell Diagram
Figure 1.2b. Prokaryotic Cell
 Figure 1.3a.
Eukaryotic Cell Diagram (plant)
 Figure 1.3b.
Eukaryotic Cell Diagram (animal)
 Table 1.2.
Organelles and their Functions
OrganelleFunctions
Nucleus location of main genome (site of DNA and RNA synthesis)
Mitochondrion site of energy-yielding oxidation reactions; DNA-
containing
Chloroplastsite of photosynthesis; DNA-containing
Endoplasmic internal transport
Reticulum
Golgi Apparatus protein secretion
Lysosomes hydrolytic enzyme secretion
Peroxisomes metabolism of hydrogen peroxide
Cell Membrane separation of cell from external environment
Cell Wall protective exterior layer of plant cells
Vacuole storage sac of plant cells
 Increasing Levels of Organization
Observed Among
Multi-cellular Organisms

Cells- basic units of structure and function

Tissues- group of cells with specific functions (eg.,
epithelial, connective, muscle, nerve)
Organs- functional units composed of different
tissues (eg., heart)
Organ Systems- highest level of organization
composed of interacting organs that perform
specific functions and relate to other organ
systems
4. the classification, characteristics, and
reactions / metabolic processes
undergone by organic / biomolecules

Organic molecules important for life

processes are specifically called as
biomolecules. They are also referred to as
macromolecules. They include the
carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic
acids.