biochem 1

• Biochemistry is the chemistry of living organisms, studied at the molecular level.
• Living organisms are complicated and highly organized.
• Living organisms have a specific purpose or function such as the chemical compounds in a cell.
• Living organisms have the capacity to extract and transform energy from the environment and build and maintain intricate structure from simple raw materials.
• Living organisms have the capacity for precise self-replication.
• In 1828, Wohler synthesized the first organic compound, urea, from inorganic compounds (cyanate and ammonia).
• In 1836, Schleiden and Schwann enunciated the cell theory.
• In 1854-1864, Louis Pasteur proved that microorganisms cause fermentation.
• In 1866, Mendel reported the principles of segregation and independent assortment of genes.
• In 1869, Miescher discovered DNA.
• In 1897, Buckner discovered alcoholic fermentation in cell-free yeast extract.
• In 1903, Neuberg first used the term biochemistry.
• In 1912, Neuberg proposed a chemical pathway for fermentation.
• In 1913, Michaelis and Menten developed the kinetic theory of enzyme action.
• In 1926, Summer first crystallized an enzyme, urease, and proved it to be a protein.
• Medical laboratory science is vital to the healthcare system as the profession is responsible for providing laboratory analysis.
• Health physicians rely on medical laboratory science to reach conclusive diagnosis.
• The discipline of medical laboratory science has made dynamic contributions to fields of physiology, pharmacology, immunology, nutrition, forensic medicine, as well as in fields of cancer and cell injury.
• Biomolecules are the chemical components of living organisms, including organic compounds wherein the carbon element can either be reduced or hydrogenated.
• Biomolecules can be divided into two major categories: small molecules and macromolecules.
• The small molecules are either metabolized or monomers from which the macromolecules are built.
• The monomers and the associated macromolecules are divided into four major categories: nitrogenous bases, amino acids, sugars, and fatty acids.
• Nitrogenous bases are components of nucleic acids, used for information storage and processing.
• Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and enzymes, the machinery of life.
• Sugars are used for energy storage and structure.
• Fatty acids, together with glycerol, form fats, used mostly for energy storage, and phospholipids, the major component of cell membranes.