BIOCHEM LEC - M1

Biochemistry

The science of the chemical basis of life; studies chemical constituents of living cells and their reactions/processes.

Metabolism

The totality of chemical reactions that occur in living matter.

Molecular Genetics

The chemistry of processes and substances that store and transmit biological information.

Pharmacology

Study of drugs and their effects.

6-Mercaptopurine

A hypoxanthine analog used to block nucleic acid synthesis; treats leukemia.

AZT (3'-azido-2,3'-deoxythymidine)

A thymidine analog; inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase for AIDS treatment.

Isoproterenol

Epinephrine analog; treats asthma by mimicking hormone action.

Physical Agent, Chemical Agent, Biological Agent, Lack of Oxygen, Genetic Disorders, Immunologic Reactions, Nutritional Imbalances, and Endocrine Imbalances

Causes of Diseases

Polysaccharide

Biomolecule in the Cell Wall

Small Molecules

Biomolecule in the Vacuole

Liquid, Protein, and Carbohydrates

Biomolecules in the Chloroplast (3)

Plasma Membrane

Controls cell exchange via endo/exocytosis, signaling, and interaction.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Mutation in the gene encoding LDL receptors

Cystic Fibrosis

mutation in the gene encoding the CFTR protein, a Cl transporter

Wilson Disease

mutation in the gene encoding a copper-dependent ATPase

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Makes up 2/3 of total body water; rich in K+, Mg2+, phosphate, protein buffers.

Potassium and Magnesium

Cation in the Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Phosphate

Anion in the Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Proteins (amino acid)

Buffer in the Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Makes up 1/3 of total body water; Removes waste and CO2; rich in Na+, Ca2+, Cl-, bicarbonate buffer.

Sodium and Calcium

Cation in the Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Chloride

Anion in the Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Bicarbonate-Carbonate

Buffer in the Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Head

Part of the Phospholipid Structure that is hydrophilic

Tail

Part of the Phospholipid Structure that is hydrophobic

Micelle vs. Liposome

Micelle is a single layer; liposome has a bilayer and aqueous center.

Glycoproteins

Membrane proteins for cell-cell recognition; immune detection.

Cholesterol

Membrane stabilizer; limits phospholipid motion; found in membranes.

Gap Junctions

Tiny membrane gaps for cell communication and oxygen diffusion.

Facilitated Diffusion

Passive transport using carrier proteins; includes PING-PONG mechanism.

Active Transport

Requires energy to move molecules against gradient.

Uniport

Transport system for one molecule type in both directions.

Symport

Moves two solutes in the same direction.

Antiport

Moves two solutes in opposite directions.

Ion Channels

Protein channels allowing ion diffusion; includes ligand-, voltage-, and mechanically-gated types.

Biomolecules

Naturally occurring organic molecules in living organisms.

Monomers

Simple units like amino acids, nucleotides, and sugars.

Polymers

Large molecules made of monomers: proteins, DNA, polysaccharides.

Anabolism

Building up of complex molecules (e.g., forming polymers).

Catabolism

Breaking down of complex molecules (e.g., hydrolysis).

Condensation

Polymer formation by removing water.

Hydrolysis

Breaking polymers into monomers by adding water.

Major Biomolecules

Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids.

Carbohydrate

Includes monosaccharides (glucose), disaccharides (sucrose), and polysaccharides (starch).

Lipid

Nonpolar molecules like triglycerides, phospholipids, steroids.

Protein

Made of amino acids; functions in structure, enzymes, transport.

Nucleic Acid

Composed of nucleotides; includes DNA, RNA, ATP.

Functional Groups

Groups like hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxyl, and amino in organic molecules.

Elements of Life

H, O, C, N are most abundant; also include P, S, Ca, Mg, Na, Cl, Fe, Cu, Zn.

First-Tier Elements

C, H, O, N – most abundant in organisms.

Second-Tier Elements

Ca, Cl, Mg, P, K, Na, S – less abundant but essential.

Third-Tier Elements

Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn – trace metals, essential to life.

Fourth-Tier Elements

Al, As, B, Br, Cr, F, I, Mo, Ni, Se, Si – required in trace by some organisms.

Glucose

Major fuel molecule oxidized to produce ATP.

Glycerol & Fatty Acids

Major fuel source, especially for muscles.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins, enzymes, hormones, and respiratory molecules.

Vitamins

Coenzymes that work with enzymes; essential nutrients.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Coenzyme: thiamine pyrophosphate; function: aldehyde transfer; deficiency: beriberi.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Coenzyme: FAD; function: oxidation-reduction; deficiency: cheilosis, dermatitis.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Coenzyme: pyridoxal phosphate; function: amino group transfer; deficiency: depression, convulsions.

Niacin

Coenzyme: NAD+; function: redox; deficiency: pellagra.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)

Coenzyme A; function: acyl-group transfer; deficiency: hypertension.

Biotin

Coenzyme for carboxylation; deficiency: rash, fatigue.

Folate (B9)

Coenzyme: tetrahydrofolate; function: one-carbon transfer; deficiency: anemia, neural tube defects.

Vitamin B12

Function: methyl group transfer; deficiency: pernicious anemia.

Vitamin C

Antioxidant; deficiency: scurvy.

Vitamin D

Regulates calcium & phosphate; deficiency: rickets, osteomalacia.

Vitamin E

Antioxidant; deficiency: rare; affects nerves, sperm production.

Vitamin K

Blood coagulation; deficiency: subdermal hemorrhaging.

Calcium

Important for bones, muscles, nerves, blood clotting.

Phosphate

Used in bones, energy (ATP), acid-base balance, and DNA.

Sodium & Potassium

Major extracellular and intracellular electrolytes respectively; essential in nerve and muscle function.

Chloride

Major extracellular anion; aids in digestion and electrolyte balance.