Biochemistry 1, Carbohydrate - 2022, JUNE

Biochemistry Overview

  • Importance:

    • Discovery of DNA's double-helical structure.

    • Understanding the flow of information from genes to proteins.

    • Determining 3-D structures of proteins.

    • Development of recombinant DNA technology, opening the genome for research.

Influence on Medicine

  • Biochemistry impacts medicine and diagnostics significantly.

    • DNA probes are used for diagnosis of diseases.

    • Recombinant DNA technology produces therapeutic proteins like insulin.

Drug Design & Agriculture Applications

  • Rational drug design is facilitated by biochemistry.

  • Recombinant DNA technology enhances agricultural practices.

  • Stem cell research is a key area in biochemistry.

  • Many diseases have biochemical origins; e.g., rheumatoid arthritis linked to NO excess from macrophages.

Biochemical Pathways

  • Categories:

    • Catabolic Pathways: Break down macromolecules (e.g., proteins to amino acids).

    • Anabolic Pathways: Combine small units to form complex compounds (e.g., amino acids to proteins).

Cell Structure and Function

  • Cells: The fundamental units of life, composed of various structures.

    • Nucleus controls cell activity via DNA.

    • Mitochondria: Energy production site.

    • Ribosomes and endoplasmic reticulum involved in protein synthesis and transport.

Monosaccharides & Polysaccharides

  • Monosaccharides: Simple sugars like glucose, ribose, and fructose.

  • Disaccharides: Combinations of two monosaccharides (e.g., sucrose, lactose).

  • Polysaccharides: Large polymers of monosaccharides, including starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

Important Concepts

  • Stereochemistry: Studies spatial arrangements of molecules (stereoisomers, enantiomers).

  • Glycosylation: The addition of sugar moieties to proteins, affecting their function and cell interactions.

Clinical Aspect of Glycoproteins

  • Mucopolysaccharidoses: Disorders from enzyme defects leading to the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans.

Conclusion

  • Biochemistry plays a crucial role in medicine, agriculture, and understanding life processes, with potential for future advancements.