INTRODUCTION

TO
BIOCHEMISTRY
What is biochemistry?
Biochemistry-the chemistry of life
Biochemist- use physical and chemical priciple
To explain biology at the molecular level.
Principle of Biochemistry
. Structure and function of macromolecules
. Metabolism- anabolic and catabolic processes.
. Molecular genetics- How life is replicated
- regulation of protein synthesis
 History of Biochemistry
> 1780’s- Antoine Lavoisier proposed that the
combustion of a candle is similar to the
respiration of an animal, as both need oxygen
 For the first time, a physiological process was
explained with reference to a non-living
organism.
 Early 1800’s- “vitalism”- was a common belief
that:
compounds found in living organism (Ex.
Organic molecule can only be produced by living
organism and could not be produced in the
laboratory.
Evidences:
 Only living things have a high degree of
complexity.
 Only living things extract, transform and utilize
energy from their environment
 Only living things are capable of self assembly
and self replication
 Origin of Biochemistry
“A challenge to vitalism”
Famous Dead Biochemist-
Fallacy #1- Biochemicals can only be produced
by living organism.
1828- Friedrich Wohler
Fallacy#2-Complex bioconversion of Chemical
Substances require living matter
1897- Edward Buchner
Fallacy#2
Emil Fisher-
Lock and Key Analogy
Correct fit will react
Incorrect substrate- no reaction
 Biochemistry and Life Science
1. Genetics
2. Physiology
3. Immunology
4. Pathology
5. Pharmacology
6. Biological Sciences
Microbiology,Botany and
Zoology
Organization of Life
 Elements
 Simple organic compound (monomer)
 Macromolecules (polymer)
 Organelles
 Cells
 Tissues
 Organism
Elements
Most abundant- essential for all organism
(C,N,O,P,S,H)
Less abundant- essential for all organism
( Na,Mg,K,Ca,Cl)
Trace level- essential for all organsim
( Mn,Fe,Co,Cu,Zn)
Trace level- essential for some organism
( V,Cr,Mo,B,Al,Ga,Sn,Si,As,Se,I)
Simple Organic Compound(monomer)
Important Compound-
Ex. Glucose
Macromolecules (polymer)
large number of units bond together.
ex. Plastic
Common Theme:
Monomers-form polymers thru condensation
Polymer-broken down thru hydrolysis
Organelles
a tiny cellular structure that performs
specific functions within a cell.
are embedded within the cytoplasm of
eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
structures within a cell that perform
specific functions like controlling cell growth
and producing energy.
• Plant and animal cells can contain similar
types of organelles.
• However, certain organelles can only be found
in plant cells
• and certain organelles can only be found in
animal cells.
Eukaryotic Organelles
Eukaryotic cells are cells with a nucleus.
The nucleus is an organelle that is surrounded
by a double membrane called the nuclear
envelope.
The nuclear envelope separates the contents of
the nucleus from the rest of the cell.
Eukaryotic cells also have a cell membrane
 (plasma membrane), cytoplasm, cytoskeleton,
and various cellular organelles.
• Animals, plants, fungi, and protists are examples
of eukaryotic organisms.
• Animal and plant cells contain many of the same
kinds or organelles.
• There are also certain organelles found in plant
cells that are not found in animal cells and vice
versa.
• Examples of organelles found in plant cells and 
animal cells include:
• Nucleus- a membrane bound structure that
contains the cell's hereditary (DNA)
information and controls the cell's growth and
reproduction. It is commonly the most
prominent organelle in the cell.
• Mitochondria - as the cell's power producers,
mitochondria convert energy into forms that
are usable by the cell.
They are the sites of cellular respiration which
ultimately generates fuel for the cell's activities.
Mitochondria are also involved in other cell
processes such as cell division and growth, as well
as cell death.​
• Endolplasmic Reticulum-extensive network of
membranes composed of both regions with
ribosomes (rough ER) and regions without
ribosomes (smooth ER).
This organelle manufactures membranes,
secretory proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and 
hormones.​
• ​
• Golgi complex - also called the Golgi
apparatus, this structure is responsible for
manufacturing, warehousing, and shipping
certain cellular products, particularly those
from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).
• Ribosomes- these organelles consist of RNA and
proteins and are responsible for protein
production.
Ribosomes are found suspended in the cytosol
or bound to the endoplasmic reticulum.​
• Lysosomes - these membranous sacs of enzymes
recycle the cell's organic material by digesting
cellular macromolecules, such as nucleic acids,
polysaccharides, fats, and proteins.​
• Peroxisomes-Like lysosomes, peroxisomes are
bound by a membrane and contain enzymes.
Peroxisomes help to detoxify alcohol, form
bile acid, and break down fats.​
• Vacuole - these fluid-filled, enclosed
structures are found most commonly in plant
cells and fungi.
– Vacuoles are responsible for a wide variety of
important functions in a cell including nutrient
storage, detoxification, and waste exportation.​
 Chloroplast-this chlorophyll containing plastid
is found in plant cells, but not animal cells.
-Chloroplasts absorb the sun's light energy for 
photosynthesis.​
Cell Wall - this rigid outer wall is positioned next
to the cell membrane in most plant cells. Not
found in animal cells, the cell wall helps to
provide support and protection for the cell.​
• Centrioles-  these cylindrical structures are
found in animal cells, but not plant cells.
Centrioles help to organize the assembly of
microtubules during cell division.​
• Cilia and Flagella - are protrusions from some
cells that aid in cellular locomotion.
They are formed from specialized groupings
of microtubules called basal bodies.
Prokaryotic Organelles
  -have a structure that is less complex than
eukaryotic cells since they are the most
primitive and earliest forms of life on the
planet.
-they do not have a nucleus or region
where the DNA is bound by a membrane. 
• Examples of prokaryotic cells include bacteria
 and archaeans.