Unit 2997: Comprehensive Biochemistry

1. Overview of Biochemistry

• Definition and scope of biochemistry
• Importance of biochemistry in understanding life processes
• Relationship between chemistry and biology
• Historical perspective and advancements in biochemistry

2. Biomolecules

2.1 Carbohydrates

• Types: monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides
• Structure and chemical properties
• Biological roles and examples

2.2 Lipids

• Classification: fats, phospholipids, steroids
• Structure and functions
• Role in membrane structure and energy storage

2.3 Proteins

• Amino acid structure and classification
• Levels of protein structure: primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary
• Functions: enzymes, structural, transport, signaling

2.4 Nucleic Acids

• DNA and RNA structure
• Nucleotide components
• Role in genetic information storage and transfer

3. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics

• Definition and role as biological catalysts
• Enzyme-substrate interactions and specificity
• Mechanisms of enzyme action
• Factors influencing enzyme activity: temperature, pH, inhibitors
• Michaelis-Menten kinetics and parameters (Km, Vmax)
• Enzyme regulation and allosteric control

4. Metabolism

4.1 Metabolic Pathways

• Catabolism vs anabolism
• Overview of major pathways

4.2 Energy Production

• ATP as energy currency
• Coupling of reactions

4.3 Regulation of Metabolism

• Enzyme regulation
• Hormonal control
• Feedback mechanisms

5. Cellular Respiration

• Overview and significance

5.1 Glycolysis

• Steps, substrates, products, ATP yield

5.2 Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle)

• Key reactions and intermediates
• Energy carriers produced

5.3 Oxidative Phosphorylation

• Electron transport chain
• Chemiosmosis and ATP synthesis
• Role of mitochondria

6. Photosynthesis

• Importance in energy flow and ecosystems

6.1 Light-Dependent Reactions

• Photosystems I and II
• Photophosphorylation
• Production of ATP and NADPH

6.2 Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)

• Carbon fixation
• Role of enzymes like Rubisco
• Formation of glucose

7. Biochemical Techniques

• Purpose and applications

7.1 Chromatography

• Types: paper, thin-layer, column, HPLC
• Principles and uses

7.2 Electrophoresis

• SDS-PAGE, agarose gel
• Separation of proteins and nucleic acids

7.3 Spectroscopy

• UV-Vis, fluorescence, NMR
• Analysis of biomolecules

8. Molecular Biology

• Intersection with biochemistry

8.1 DNA Replication

• Mechanism and key enzymes

8.2 Transcription

• RNA synthesis
• Role of RNA polymerase

8.3 Translation

• Protein synthesis process
• Ribosome function

8.4 Genetic Regulation

• Operons and gene expression control

9. Biochemical Signaling

• Importance of cell communication

9.1 Signal Transduction Pathways

• Receptors and ligands
• Cascades and amplification

9.2 Second Messenger Systems

• cAMP, IP3, calcium ions

9.3 Cellular Responses

• Regulation of metabolism, gene expression, cell growth