Essential Biochemistry Third Edition Charlotte W. Pratt and Kathleen Cornely
Chapter 1: The chemical Basis of Life • Introduction to Biochemistry • Introduce some basic concepts of biochemistry • See its relation to other sciences • See its significance and relevance
Biochemistry involves the study of 4 types of molecules • Biochemistry is a science that seeks to understand and explain life at the molecular level • We will consider more of the details as we proceed • Four types of molecules you will see throughout the course
The textbook is divided into 4 basic sections. • Section Ⅰ: Chapter 1 (a brief introduction and review) Chapter 2 (water and its properties) All living systems operate in an aqueous environment. Understanding the properties of water is crucial to understand how molecules behave in that environment. • Section Ⅱ: Chapter 3 to Chapter 11 (molecular structure and function) the most fundamental biochemistry: the direct relationship between the structure of biological molecule/system and its function —— Understanding function enables us fit into the larger context of the cell/organism
The textbook is divided into 4 basic sections. • Section Ⅲ：Chapter 12 to Chapter 19 the transformation of matter and energy (metabolism) • Section Ⅳ：chapter 20 to chapter 22, as well as chapter 3 the management of genetic information A building under construction: a symbol for basic foundation (principals) It is build in a step by step fashion
A new science • Biochemistry is a young science • Most of the information included in this book has been uncovered in the last 50 years (go through much further than the last 50 years). • Gain a better understanding of basic biological systems and how they function • Research techniques have been developed - better understand these systems Science & methods used to elucidate and study science Techniques grow in process. Knowledge is accumulated
The significance of Biochemistry — the capacity to explain living systems at the molecular level • A thorough understanding of each molecule’s physical structure and chemical reactivity helps to lead to an understanding of how molecules cooperate and combine to form large functional units and, ultimately, the intact organism. Molecule Organelle Organ (function) Large cell Organism
Biochemical “Language” • Need unambiguous way to refer to certain molecules and pathways. • Use of consistent terminology • Need unambiguous way to illustrate molecules Illustrate 3-dimentional molecules in 2D space Alanine Conveys: atoms present, bonds connecting them, size, how they are arranged in 3D space ['æləniːn]
Biochemistry is. • A chemical science • Study of structures and their chemical interactions • A study in thermodynamics • Transformation of energy into living matter These two aspects will be involved in almost every topic we will consider
Role of Biochemistry • Unity of biochemistry • Structures, mechanisms, and chemical processes shared by all organisms • E.coli. human • Biochemical study elucidates the organizing principles of life in all its diverse forms • Biochemistry is ultimately concerned with the wonder of life itself