37 FACTS ABOUT BIOCHEMISTRY

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms.

Living organisms are made up of organic and inorganic molecules, such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

The chemical reactions that occur within living organisms are controlled by enzymes.

Enzymes are proteins that catalyze specific chemical reactions.

The structure of enzymes is critical to their function, and any changes to the structure can affect their activity.

Biochemical pathways are sequences of chemical reactions that convert one substance into another.

These pathways are regulated by enzymes, which control the rate and direction of the reactions.

Metabolism is the set of biochemical reactions that occur within living organisms to maintain life.

Metabolism involves the conversion of nutrients into energy and the building of new molecules.

The two main types of metabolism are catabolism, which involves the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, and anabolism, which involves the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones.

Carbohydrates are organic molecules made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Carbohydrates are important sources of energy for the body and can be found in foods such as bread, pasta, and fruits.

Lipids are organic molecules that are insoluble in water.

Lipids include fats, oils, and waxes and are important for energy storage and insulation.

Proteins are organic molecules made up of amino acids.

Proteins are involved in a wide range of biological processes, including enzyme catalysis, muscle contraction, and cell signaling.

Nucleic acids are organic molecules made up of nucleotides.

Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are involved in the storage and transmission of genetic information.

The central dogma of molecular biology describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.

DNA replication is the process by which DNA is duplicated before cell division.

Transcription is the process by which DNA is converted into RNA.

Translation is the process by which RNA is converted into protein.

Genetic mutations can occur during DNA replication, transcription, or translation and can result in changes to the genetic code.

Enzyme inhibitors are molecules that bind to enzymes and reduce their activity.

Enzyme inhibitors can be used as drugs to treat diseases caused by overactive enzymes.

Enzyme cofactors are molecules that bind to enzymes and help them function.

Vitamins are organic molecules that act as enzyme cofactors.

Vitamin deficiencies can lead to diseases such as scurvy and rickets.

Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that can recognize and neutralize foreign substances.

Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against specific pathogens.

Hormones are signaling molecules that regulate physiological processes.

Hormones include insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels, and estrogen, which regulates the female reproductive system.

DNA sequencing is the process by which the order of nucleotides in a DNA molecule is determined.

DNA sequencing has many applications, including genetic testing, forensics, and evolutionary studies.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique used to amplify DNA sequences.

PCR is used in many applications, including medical diagnostics, forensic analysis, and genetic research.

The CRISPR-Cas9 system is a molecular tool that can be used to edit DNA sequences.

CRISPR-Cas9 has many potential applications, including gene therapy and the creation of genetically modified organisms.