General Biochemistry I

Students should be able to: 1. demonstrate an understanding of fundamental biochemistry principles, including topics specific to chemistry and biochemistry; 2. explain the properties and biological functions of the major biomolecules; 3. locate, critically analyze, interpret and discuss data, hypotheses, results, theories, and explanations found in the primary literature; 4. design, carry out, and record the results of chemical and biochemical experiments using classical techniques, modern instruments, and computers, then analyze those results to draw reasonable, accurate conclusions; 5. communicate biochemical concepts and experimental results through effective written and oral communication; and 6. appreciate the structure and function of the main biochemical molecules (sugars, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids), metabolic pathways of animal eukaryotic cells, and their regulation.

Review of general chemistry: chemical elements and the periodic table; electronic configuration, electronic orbital, valency of atoms, and types of chemical bonds; metals and non-metals; acids and bases, highlighting Lewis Conception; carbon, sp3 hybridization, the tetrahedron and covalent bond; functional groups; water and its special properties. Introduction of the cell and hierarchy of organisation of living things: macromolecules, organelles, cells, tissues; organs, systems and organism. Amino acids, proteins; the peptide bond and polypeptides; proteins as biological catalysts, immune agents and structural molecules. Carbohydrates; the glycosidic bond; relationship of photosynthesis and tissue respiration; carbohydrate as storage molecule of easily accessible metabolic energy. Fatty acids and lipids: the ester bond of lipids and triglycerides; fat as efficient energy storage molecule. Nucleic acids and nucleotides: DNA and RNA as polymers of nucleotides; the phosphodiester bond; gene and genetic information transcription and translation.