The field of chemistry that focuses on the chemistry of living things, including genetics, cellular respiration, and other cellular functions.
Metabolism
A collective term for all the chemical reactions that take place within cells.
Catabolism
Biochemical processes that break large molecules into smaller particles, providing building materials and energy for other processes.
Anabolism
Biochemical processes that combine small molecules into larger molecules, often producing organic polymers. It is essentially the reverse of catabolism.
Polymers
Very large molecules built from repeating subunits called monomers. Examples include starch, protein, and DNA.
Key Concepts in Biochemistry
Metabolism consists of two complementary processes:
Catabolism: Breaks down large molecules into smaller ones.
Anabolism: Builds larger molecules from smaller ones.
Polymers are formed through polymerization, where monomers bond together in repeating patterns.
Biochemistry vs. Organic Chemistry
Biochemistry: Focuses on the chemistry of life, including both organic and inorganic substances involved in biological processes.
Organic Chemistry: Studies carbon-containing compounds, some of which are essential for life but are not necessarily involved in biological processes.
Applications of Biochemistry
Understanding cellular functions and energy transfer in living organisms.
Research in genetics, including DNA replication and protein synthesis.
Development of pharmaceuticals and treatments for diseases.
Questions for Students
Define biochemistry and explain how it differs from organic chemistry.
Describe the relationship between metabolism, catabolism, and anabolism.
What are polymers, and how are they formed?
Provide examples of how biochemistry is applied in real-world scenarios.
Why are catabolic and anabolic processes considered complementary?