INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMISTRY

Question 1

Biochemistry definition

Answer 1

It is the study of
-molecules present in living things.
-Enzyme catalyzed chemical reactions
-Metabolic pathways and how they are regulated

contains all life forms

Question 2

APPLICATION OF BIOCHEMISTRY

Answer 2

1. MEDICINE: Measuring of levels of enzymes in the blood for the diagnosis of diseases.
2. AGRICULTURE: Genetic engineering
   * DNA is changed by inserting genes from another plant or animal
   * increase the yield and quality of the product. Genetically Modified Organisms(GMOs)
3. BREWING INDUSTRY:use of yeast to ferment glucose found in the grains( Millet , barley, sorghum)
   * Glucose is converted to ethyl alcohol.

Question 3

Metabolism definition

Answer 3

chemical reactions taking place within an organism to maintain life

Include Anabolism and Catabolism

Question 4

4 Major biomolecules

macromolecules

Answer 4

i. Amino acids and Proteins
ii.Carbohydrates.
iii.Lipids.
iv.Nucleotides and nucleic acids

Question 5

4 major elements in living organisms are

Answer 5

CARBON, NITROGEN, OXYGEN, HYDROGEN

Question 6

Definition of functional groups

Answer 6

reactive sites of biological molecules

can participate in chemical reactions and interact with other elements

Question 7

types of fuctional groups and their structure

Answer 7

1. Hydroxyl(-OH): found in alcohols, sugars, and some amino acids.
   * It is polar and can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
2. Carbonyl (>C=O): found in aldehydes, ketones, and some amino acids.
   * is polar and can participate in reactions that involve the transfer of electrons.
3. Carboxyl (-COOH): found in organic acids, such as amino acids and fatty acids.
   * is acidic and can donate a proton (H+) to other molecules.
4. Amino (-NH2): found in amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.
   * is basic and can accept a proton (H+) from other molecules.

5.Phosphate (-PO4): This functional group is found in nucleotides which are the building blocks of DNA and RNA.
* is negatively charged and can participate in reactions that involve the transfer of energy.

6.Ether(R-O-R)
7.Ester
8.anhydride

Question 8

20 Amino acids and proteins

Answer 8

common 20