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Definitions of Biochemistry

• Biochemistry: a field studying the chemical processes, structure, and metabolism of organic compounds in living organisms. It is the chemistry of life, analyzing chemical reactions vital for biological activities.

  • Investigates chemical reactions occurring in living organisms, their chemical composition, and responses in various conditions; from thermophilic bacteria at 80-100°C to psychrophilic organisms below 4°C.

  • Laboratory science combining biology with chemistry to understand biological issues. Relates to medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, etc., providing insights for enzyme inhibitors, antibiotics, and industrial enzymes.

  • Specialized areas include: enzyme biochemistry, human biochemistry, clinical biochemistry, plant biochemistry.

• Organic Chemistry vs. Biochemistry:

  • Organic Chemistry focuses on structure and synthesis of organic molecules not necessarily tied to living systems or biological conditions. Example: Nitrogen fixation chemically under high temperature vs. biochemically at normal temperatures in live organisms.

  • Vitalism Theory: Organic compounds are thought to arise only from living systems. This concept was overturned by Friedrich Wohler’s synthesis of urea in 1828 from inorganic compounds.

Historical Background of Biochemistry

• Key Events:

  • 1828: Wohler synthesizes urea, challenging vitalism.

  • 1903: Carl Neuber coins the term "Biochemistry."

  • 1838: Schleiden and Schwann declare cells as the fundamental unit of life.

  • 1862: Louis Pasteur disproved spontaneous generation, asserting life comes from life.

  • 1896: Eduard Buchner shows fermentation can occur in cell-free extracts, rejecting vitalism.

  • 1926: J.B. Sumner crystallizes urease.

  • 1940: F.A. Lipmann identifies ATP as a common energy mediator in cells.

  • 1932: Hans Krebs discovers the urea cycle, vital for ammonia to urea conversion.