Introduction to

z
Biochemistry Pt. 1
CHEM 113 – BIOCHEM LEC
2nd Semester, AY 2023-2024

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 z Learning Objectives

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. define Biochemistry and explain its scope;

2. enumerate and explain the attributes of a living organism;

3. differentiate the different chemical reactions occurring in living

matter; and

4. describe properties of chemical reactions occurring in-vivo.

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 z Biochemistry
 “chemistry of living matter”

 subdivided into:

1. Animal Biochemistry / Physiological Chemistry – chemical

processes taking place among animals
2. Plant Biochemistry / Phytochemistry – chemical processes
taking place among plants

 scope: chemical changes in living organisms, chemistry of nutrients,

chemistry of enzymes, chemistry of digestion and absorption,
chemistry of blood, chemistry of body fluids, chemistry of hormone

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 z Attributes of Living Organism
1. Living organisms are complicated and highly organized. Cells
which compose them possess initiate internal structure containing
many complex molecules.

2. Each part has specific function to perform.

3. It has the capacity to extract and transform energy from the

environment. This is used to build and maintain their own
intricate structure from simple raw materials.

4. They have the ability to replicate brought about by the presence

of DNA.

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 Characteristics
z of Biochemical Reactions
1. Biochemical reactions are classified as either catabolic
(degradative) or anabolic (synthetic).
A. Catabolic – results in the breakdown of organic compounds to
simpler substances (e.g., fermentation)

B. Anabolic – results in the assembly of biomolecules from simpler

molecules (e.g., photosynthesis)

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Characteristics
z of Biochemical Reactions

2. Many biochemical reactions require energy in the form of ATP.

3. Conditions for biochemical reactions differ from those of ordinary

chemical reactions. They take place in mild conditions and in
aqueous solutions.

4. Presence of enzymes is sometimes necessary.

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Characteristics
z of Biochemical Reactions

5. Biochemical reactions are organized into pathways.

6. Biochemical reactions are regulated.

7. Biochemical reactions are localized within the cells.

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 Chemical
z Reactions Occurring In-vivo

1. Oxidation – oxygen combines chemically with another substance. This includes also
any reaction in which electrons are transferred.
A. Aerobic oxidation – this takes place in the presence of oxygen; the substance
oxidized combines directly with oxygen

B. Anaerobic oxidation – this occurs in the absence of oxygen; substance

undergoes oxidation either by a loss of hydrogen or by loss of electrons

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 Chemical
z Reactions Occurring In-vivo
2. Reduction – loss of oxygen or by gain of hydrogen or electrons. Whenever
oxidation occurs, there is a simultaneous and corresponding reduction.
 E.g., all foods and organic substances are reducing agents because they have
the property of taking up oxygen

3. Hydrolysis – union of a substance with one or more molecules of water, forming an

unstable "substance-water complex" which is subsequently fragmented.
 E.g., large molecules are broken down into smaller and simpler forms (in
digestion)

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 Properties
z of Chemical Reactions In-vivo

1. Mildness – energy is taken up and released in a gentle way, not violently as those
occurring in the test tubes. This is attributed to the high specific heat of water,
which makes up large portion of the protoplasm.

2. Speed – chemical reactions in-vivo occur with surprising speed because of the aid of
enzymes which facilitate chemical reactions.

3. Orderliness – a high degree of orderliness is assumed due to the existence of cell

specialization within the different organs of the body.

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 z

------------------------------------------ End of Introduction to Biochemistry-----------------------------------------------------------

Readings and References:

 Stoker, H. Stephen. Biochemistry. Cengage Learning Asia Pte Ltd, 2016

 Hart, Harold, et al. Organic Chemistry: A Brief Course. Cengage Learning Asia Pte Ltd, 2012

 Stoker, H. Stephen Exploring General, Organic and Biochemistry. Cengage Learning Asia Pte Ltd, 2013

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