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Lecture 1a
Lecture 1a
Lecture 1a
BCHS 3304: General Biochemistry I, Section 07553 Spring 2003 1:00-2:30 PM Mon./Wed. AH 101 Instructor: Glen B. Legge, Ph.D., Cambridge UK Phone: 713-743-8380 Fax: 713-743-2636 E-mail: glegge@uh.edu Office hours: Mon. and Wed. (2:30-4:00 PM) or by appointment 353 SR2 (Science and Research Building 2)
Research Interests: Molecular mechanisms of cell adhesion, using primarily multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
Course Outline
3 Exams and a Comprehensive Final (See Syllabus)
The Exams are based on the book, class notes, and homework. Those who do the homework honestly, will earn the better grades.
I encourage group homework and study sections. But each person in a group must pull their own weight, copied answers will be considered dishonest. Copying the homework and not fully participating, cheats yourself.
The lecture notes and solutions to the homework will be on the Web!!
http://www.uh.edu/sibs/faculty/glegge
Remember the address is case sensitive. These notes are not a substitute for class participation. These notes will be (even in an early form) will be posted before the lectures. They are intended to make you pay attention in class, take notes with you. Dont sit in class and just copy notes!!
I strongly suggest you read the assigned material before the lecture.
NOTE: Cell Biology and Biochemistry Labs will meet the first week of classes.
Foundations of Biochemistry
Universe is 15-20 billion years old BIG BANG Initially H2 was made then condensed to He Stars formed-Stars died, Super novas exploded creating higher atomic number elements. Over the billions of years under the right conditions complex molecules formed. Complicated chemical reactions started occurring - intermolecular interactions and carbon based chemistry developed. From this milieu sprang the property of
LIFE
Biochemistry is the study of this process on a chemical level
These physical laws describe several axioms that make up the Molecular Logic of Life. These axioms define: Energy converted to work Catalytic chemical transformations Assembly of molecules with great complexity from simple subunits. Complex molecules combine to form supra molecular components, organelles and finally assemble into a cell. Store and pass on instructions for the assembly of all future generations from simple non-living precursors
Condensation reactions
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Chemical Evolution, simple molecules condense to form more complex forms (polymers)
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Cell p multi cell, varied and diverse and evolutionary processes lead to diversity but life has many common themes and processes.
Organic compounds found in living organisms are a product of Biological Activity
Biomolecules are selected by evolution- the fit are kept, the not fit are discarded.
The more fit remain and continue to evolve.
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Biomolecules have the same bonds, bond lengths, strength, 3D structures and chemical reactivities as inanimate matter!
The vast complexity of the molecules, no matter how they interact, follow the physical laws of nature.
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From 3D structure to antibody interaction, hormone function to replication and reproduction i.e.. from Birth-Death. Life is defined within the physical laws of Chemistry and Physics
The Essential Role of Water H2O is the key to understanding the behavior of macromolecules. It is the solvent of life and all living transformations occur in an aqueous mediaLife is thought to arise from the sea. Even water-insoluble compounds such as lipid membranes derive their nature and function by their interactions with H2O. Living organisms are composed of lifeless molecules that conform to the physical laws of nature.
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However, the collective behavior of these many molecules and their combined interactions, yield extraordinary properties.