BCHN213: INTRODUCTION

TO BIOCHEMISTRY

Dr Z Ndlovu
(Ph.D. Medical Physiology, Stellenbosch Univ.)
Email: [email protected]
GENERAL
Lecturer : Prof SE Mazibuko-Mbeje
Lecture: Dr Zibele Ndlovu
Practicals : Mr Sabela

Study material
Study guide for BCHN213 (EC)
Textbook
Garrett, R.H. & Grisham, C.M. 2013. Biochemistry. 6th ed. Boston, MA: Thomson, Brooks/Cole.
(Reference in study guide = GG-VI.)
Contact details : [email protected]
018 2892354
CLASS TIME TABLE
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
•After completing the module successfully, learners should:

•Demonstrate detailed knowledge on the flow of genetic information in the biosphere, including
the structure and synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins

•Be able to evaluate and apply selected biochemical analytical techniques to investigate nucleic
acids and proteins.

•Be able to solve selected biochemical analytical problems.

•Evaluate, interpret and present data generated with selected biochemical analytical methods.

•Eemonstrate an understanding of the ethical and professional conduct required of a biochemist.

CONTENT OF BCHN213
BIOCHEMISTRY AS SUBJECT SCIENCE(SU 1)

NUCLEIC ACIDS
(SU 2,3,4)

AMINO ACIDS (SU 7)

PROTEIN SYNTHESIS PROTEINS: PRIMARY

(SU 5) STRUCTURE (SU 8)

PROTEINS: HIGHER ORDER

STRUCTURE & FUNCTIONS
(SU 9 to 12)

GENETIC RECOMBINATION (SU 6)

The principal flow direction of the teaching-learning process in this module

Interaction between the two parts of the module during the process
Aspects related to several parts of the subject matter
SU1: INTRODUCTION
What is Biochemistry?
•Study of chemical processes and vital processes within and relating to living organisms.
•It takes to account the nature and behaviour of chemical constituents of living matter, their
transformation, and the energy changes associated with these transformation.
•Simple definition: “chemistry of living cells”
Biochemists uses basic laws of Chemistry, Biology and Physics to explain processes of
living cells.

Taken from: https://youtu.be/CHJsaq2lNjU

SU1: INTRODUCTION
Why study biochemistry?

•Leads us to fundamental understanding of life.

•Understanding important issues in medicine, health, and nutrition.

•Led to greater molecular understating of diseases: diabetes, sick cell anaemia, cystic fibrosis.

•Next frontier: AIDS and Cancer.

THE CHEMICAL BASIS OF LIFE
Figure 1.6 Structural role of carbon in biomolecules

•All biomolecules contain Carbon

•Why carbon??
• Unparalleled versability in forming stable covalent bonds via electron-pair
sharing

• Ability to form covalent bond to itself & generate complex structure in three
dimensions

• Atoms commonly linked (covalently) to C is C, H, O, N

• Hydrogen-1

• Oxygen-2

• Nitrogen-3

• C,O,N: can share 2 electron pairs-> double bonds with one another within
biomolecules
Table 1.2 Bio-molecular dimensions
1.2 Biochemistry as a subject of science

Cosmos: This is a term that may mean ‘the world’, ‘the universe’ and ‘the whole of creation’. It is
therefore an all-embracing concept that includes visible things, invisible things and abstract things.

Modality: This is a term that indicates a manner of existence (e.g. water exists physically, a human
being has a living or biotic existence) or a way of acting (e.g. retribution is a legal or judicial action).
 SG Figure 1.1
Cosmic modalities

Group assignment

Compare which modalities

applies to each of the following:

1. Pen
2. Dog
3. Human
4. Big Mac burger
Distinctive nature of a subject can be deduced from this:
Basic sciences
Applied sciences
Technical sciences

Besides being able to distinguish between the abovementioned three kinds of subject sciences, it is
also important to take cognisance of philosophy and of theology.

Philosophy
Theology

Within this variety, biochemistry is a basic science. There is, however, no single and generally
accepted definition of biochemistry, as illustrated by the examples below. They are taken from a
number of well known undergraduate biochemistry textbooks. (The prescribed textbook (GG) does
not give a definition of biochemistry.)
1.3 The Scientific Method
Biochemistry is an exact, empirical and basic science in which aspects of biology, such as the material
matter of living organisms (the so-called bio-molecules), as well as processes in living organisms, are
studied and described by means of physical-chemical thinking skills and methods.

Problem statement Theory formation

Ideas/observations Reflection/
communication

Interpretation
New
insights/knowledge/information

Experimentation
Data
1.4 Uniqueness in Biology

Non-living matter gives rise to living things

(Read GG-VI p. 1-4):

•Complexity and orderliness of living organisms
•Functionality of biological structures
•Energy transformation in biological systems
•The stationary state in biological systems
•Ability of self-multiplication/self-replication
 1.5 STRUCTURAL UNIQUENESS OF BIO-MOLECULES

GG Figure 1.9 & 1.10

1. Macromolecular structure and biological information, Figure 1.10,
• p. 11

2. Three-dimensional conformation of macromolecular structure , p. 12

3. Weak chemical forces of bio-molecular interactions GG Table 1.3 & 1.4

Weak chemical forces of bio-molecular interactions
GG Figure 1.14, 1.15.
Structural complementarity and biomolecular
interactions GG Figure 1.16

Recognition-> interaction->physiological activity

Weak forces restrict organism survival to micro
environment
Metabolism and biochemical transformation GG Figure 1.1
Gradual vs Sudden release of Energy
 Time scale of life is varied
GG Table 1.5.