Biochemistry LEC

Introduction to Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the scientific discipline that seeks to explain life at the molecular level.

Biological Molecules

a. Carbohydrates
b. Protein
c. Lipids
d. Nucleic Acids

Cell

- functional basic unit of life

- discovered in 1665 by Robery Hooke
- Schleiden and Schwann proposed the Cell theory
- Often called the building block of life.
- Cell Theory
o Smallest functional unit of a living organism
o All living things are made of cells
o All cells come from pre-existing cells

Cell Characteristics

All living things (single and multicellular) are made of cells that share some common characteristics:

- Basic shape – spherical, cubical, cylindrical

- Membrane
- Cytoplasm
- Chromosome
- Ribosomes

Arrangements of cells is dependent on pattern of division and how cells remain attached after division

Coccus – spherical; bacillus – rod; coccobacillus – very short and plum; vibrio – gently curved; spirillum – helical, comma,
twisted rod; spirochete – spring-like

Cell Types

a. Eukaryotes –
a. Fungi
b. Algae
c. Protozoa
d. Parasitic helminths

Plant cell VS Animal cell

Parts of the Cell and their Functions

a. Nucleus – “control center”. Stores the genetic material of the cell in the form of multiple, linear chromosomes.
a. Directs activities of the cell
b. Stores the genetic material of the cell in the form of multiple, linear chromosomes
c. Nucleoplasm – semifluid medium of nucleus; has a different pH from cytosol.
d. Nucleoli – dark-staining spherical bodies in nucleus; sites where rRNA joins proteins to form ribosomes.
 e. Nuclear envelope – a phospholipid bilayer membrane that separates nucleoplasm from cytoplasm.
f. Nuclear pores – permit passage of proteins into nucleus and ribosomal subunits. Protein gatekeepers
b. Endoplasmic reticulum
a. Largest internal membrane
b. Composed of Lipid bilayer
c. Serves as system of channels form the nucleus
d. Functions in storage and secretion
e. 2 kinds – Rough ER; Smooth ER
f. Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum – membranes that creat a network of channels throughout the
cytoplasm
i. Attachments of ribosomes to the membrane gives a rough appearance
ii. Synthesis of proteins to be secreted, sent to lysosomes or plasma membrane
iii. Why is it called “rough” ER?
g. Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum – lack associated ribosomes – contained embedded enzymes, catalyze
synthesis of carbohydrate and lipid molecules.
i. Closed tubular network without ribosomes
ii. Synthesis & storage of lipids
iii. Calcium storage
iv. Detoxification of foreign substances
c. Golgi Apparatus
a. Consists of a stack of flattened sacs called cisternae
b. Packaging and distribution of materials to different parts of the cell
c. Synthesis of cell wall components
d. Closely associated with ER
e. Transitional vesicles from the ER containing proteins go to the Golgi apparatus for modification and
maturation. Condensing vesicles transport proteins to organelles or secretory proteins to the outside
d. Lysosomes
a. Mem-bound vesicles containing digestive enzymes to breakdown macromolecules
b. Destroy cells or foreign matter that the cell has engulfed by phagocytosis.
c. Involved in intracellular digestion of food particles & in protection against invading microbes.
e. Mitochondria – contain oxidative metabolism enzymes for transferring the energy within macromolecules to
ATP.
a. Cellular metabolism – for energy production
b. Surrounded by 2 membranes
i. Smooth outer membrane
ii. Folded inner membrane with layers called cristae
iii. Cristae hold the enzymes & electron carriers of aerobic respiration
c. Contain their own DNA
f. Ribosomes
a. The site of protein synthesis in the cell
b. Composed of ribosomal RNA and proteins
c. Found within the cytosol of the cytoplasm and attached to internal
membranes
 g. Cytoskeleton
a. Network of protein fibers supporting cell shape and anchoring organelles. Also composed of globular
protein.
b. Actin Filaments
i. Bundles of mesh like networks
c. Microtubules
i. Hollow tubes – tubulin
ii. Facilitate cell movement
d. Intermediate filaments
i. Rope-like assemblies of fibrous polypeptides
ii. Provide structural stability
h. Plasma Membrane
a. Outer membrane of cell that controls cellular traffic
b. Contains proteins that span through the membrane and allow passage of materials.
c. Proteins are surrounded by a phospholipid bilayer.

For more references: cite the book recommended