[42] Biochemistry of Diseases

Question 1

What is “Biochemistry of Diseases” about?

Answer 1

It’s about how biochemical changes contribute to disease processes.

Question 2

What is biochemistry?

Answer 2

It’s a field of science that explores the chemical processes within and related to living organisms.

Question 3

Can you list some diseases that have a biochemical basis?

Answer 3

1. Diabetes
2. Alzheimer’s Disease
3. Cancer
4. Cystic Fibrosis
5. Sickle Cell Anemia

Question 4

How does biochemistry relate to Diabetes?

Answer 4

Diabetes is characterized by a deficiency in insulin production or response, which are biochemical processes.

Question 5

What is the biochemical issue in Alzheimer’s Disease?

Answer 5

It involves an accumulation of amyloid-beta peptides in the brain, leading to neuron damage.

Question 6

How does Cancer relate to biochemistry?

Answer 6

It involves uncontrolled cell division and growth, often due to mutations in proteins that regulate cell cycle.

Question 7

What is the biochemical basis of Cystic Fibrosis?

Answer 7

It’s caused by a mutation in the CFTR protein that affects chloride ion channels, leading to thick mucus production.

Question 8

How does biochemistry relate to Sickle Cell Anemia?

Answer 8

It’s caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin protein, leading to red blood cells that can’t properly transport oxygen.

Question 9

What is the role of biochemistry in understanding diseases?

Answer 9

It helps in understanding the molecular mechanisms of disease, leading to better diagnostics and treatments.

Question 10

How does a change in enzyme activity relate to disease?

Answer 10

Changes in enzyme activity can lead to an imbalance in biochemical reactions, potentially causing disease.

Question 11

What are biomarkers?

Answer 11

They are measurable substances in an organism whose presence is indicative of some phenomenon such as disease.

Question 12

How are biomarkers used in biochemistry of diseases?

Answer 12

Biomarkers can be used to detect or monitor disease progress or response to treatment.

Question 13

What is metabolic syndrome?

Answer 13

It’s a cluster of conditions, including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels.

Question 14

How does biochemistry relate to metabolic syndrome?

Answer 14

It’s involved in understanding and managing the biochemical processes underlying each condition.

Question 15

What is Phenylketonuria (PKU)?

Answer 15

It’s a genetic disorder that increases the levels of a substance called phenylalanine in the blood.

Question 16

How does biochemistry relate to Phenylketonuria (PKU)?

Answer 16

PKU is caused by a defect in the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, leading to high levels of phenylalanine.

Question 17

What is Gaucher’s disease?

Answer 17

It’s a genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to break down fat that can build up in the liver, spleen, and other organs.

Question 18

How does biochemistry relate to Gaucher’s disease?

Answer 18

The disease is caused by a deficiency in an enzyme called glucocerebrosidase.

Question 19

What is Huntington’s disease?

Answer 19

It’s a genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain.

Question 20

How does biochemistry relate to Huntington’s disease?

Answer 20

The disease is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, leading to a harmful version of the huntingtin protein.