Biochmistry Chapter1.ppt

BIOCHEMISTRY Textbook: “A Text Book of Biochemistry”, by Zhao Baochang, etc, 2004. Books for reference: “Biochemistry”, by L. Stryer, 6th edition, W.H. Freeman and Company, 2006. “Instant Notes in Biochemistry”, by B.D. Hames N.M. Hooper, 2nd edition, BIOS Scientific Publishers Limited, 2000. Important Concepts Biochemistry is the study of the molecular composition of living cells, the chemical reactions of biological compounds, and the regulation of these reactions. Major components in body include water (55%), protein (19%), fat (19%), inorganic matter (7%), carbohydrate (1%), and nucleic acid (1%). Metabolism refers to all the chemical reactions of a living organism. Why to study? Biochemistry is one of the basic courses that can help you to understand the physiological and pathological processes in the body at molecular levels, and more importantly, to use the knowledge to . Biochemistry is also a powerful tool in life-scientific studies—prepares you to be a good scientist. How to study? Classroom study: it is impossible for a lecturer to give all details of the knowledge in a limited lecturing-time, but it is important for the students to catch the main points during the class. Your study should not be limited to classroom and textbook, but be anyway that helps you understand well the concepts and the principles of biochemistry, such as discussions between teacher-students and among students, lab study, scientific journals... Chapter 1. Structures and Functions of Nucleic Acids Nucleic Acids include deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). The genes of all cells and many viruses are made up of DNA, while RNA serves as the machinery of protein synthesis. The flow of genetic information: DNA RNA Protein 1. Composition of nucleic acids DNA: Adenine(A), Guanine(G), Thymine(T), Cytosine(C) RNA: Adenine(A), Guanine(G),