Introduction to Biological
Molecules
Biochemistry is the Chemistry of Living Matter
The basis of all life is the chemical reactions that take place within the
cell.
Living Matter is characterized by:
• High degree of complexity and organization
- Organism cells organelles macromolecules building blocks
• Extraction, transformation, and systematic use of energy to create and
maintain structures and to do work
• Interactions of individual components are dynamic and coordinated
• Ability to sense and respond to changes in surrounding
• A capacity for fairly precise self-replication
Cell: The Universal Building Block
• Living organisms are made of cells
• Simplest living organisms are single-celled
• Larger organisms consist of many cells with different functions
• Not all of the cells are the same
, All cells share some common features
Eukaryote Cells: More Complexity
• Have nucleus by definition
– Some cells become anuclear (red blood cells)
• Have membrane-enclosed organelles
– Mitochondria, Lysosome, Ribosomes
• Spatial separation of energy-yielding and energy consuming reactions
helps cells to maintain homeostasis and stay away from equilibrium
- Breakdown reactions (catabolism): Mitochondria , lysosomes sand
peroxisomes.
- Synthesis reactions (anabolism): Endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi
apparatus, nucleus and cytosol.
Molecules
Biochemistry is the Chemistry of Living Matter
The basis of all life is the chemical reactions that take place within the
cell.
Living Matter is characterized by:
• High degree of complexity and organization
- Organism cells organelles macromolecules building blocks
• Extraction, transformation, and systematic use of energy to create and
maintain structures and to do work
• Interactions of individual components are dynamic and coordinated
• Ability to sense and respond to changes in surrounding
• A capacity for fairly precise self-replication
Cell: The Universal Building Block
• Living organisms are made of cells
• Simplest living organisms are single-celled
• Larger organisms consist of many cells with different functions
• Not all of the cells are the same
, All cells share some common features
Eukaryote Cells: More Complexity
• Have nucleus by definition
– Some cells become anuclear (red blood cells)
• Have membrane-enclosed organelles
– Mitochondria, Lysosome, Ribosomes
• Spatial separation of energy-yielding and energy consuming reactions
helps cells to maintain homeostasis and stay away from equilibrium
- Breakdown reactions (catabolism): Mitochondria , lysosomes sand
peroxisomes.
- Synthesis reactions (anabolism): Endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi
apparatus, nucleus and cytosol.
