TASK 1: Self-reflection - Introduction to Biochemistry

Students should include a statement of Course Learning Outcomes (CLO), relate subject biochemistry with examples given in the introduction lecture.

Biochemistry is defined as the study of chemistry that relates to the biological activity of organisms. Biochemistry is also known as study of life at molecular level and describing the chemistry of the living cell. There are two major breakthroughs in history of biochemistry, which are the discovery of roles of enzymes as catalysts and the role of nucleic acids as information-carrying molecules. In biochemistry, we are going to be able to describe the structure, organization and function of living organisms in terms of molecules.

 

Application of Biochemistry:

1. Medicines

-use to aid digestion (amylase, protease, lipase)

-used as deworming agents (Papain)

-act as anti-clotting agents such as thrombolytic and fibrinolytic (Urokinase and Streptokinase)

2. Agriculture

- enzymes used in agricultures are able to speed up chemical reactions that unblocks the nutrients present in the soil.

-soil will be fertilized, causing productions of corps become better.

3. Industrial processes

- used in textile industries (amylase as softening agent for starched clothes)

-paper manufacturing (Endoxylanases for bleaching of wood pulp)

 

Three Areas of Studies:

· Conformational – structure and 3-D arrangements of biomolecules.

· Metabolism – biochemical pathways.

· Informational – language for communication inside and between cells.