BIOCHEMISTRY  Pathological Chemistry
 deals with the study of the chemistry of
living organisms
 application of principles and methods of
chemistry to the field of biology and
physiology
 concerned with the physiology-chemical
processes underlying
- Digestion, absorption, circulation,
respiration, metabolism, growth,
and reproduction
 is both a life science and a chemical science
 it explores the chemistry of living organisms
and the molecular basis for the changes
occurring in living cells
 has become the foundation for
understanding all biological processes
 it has provided explanations for the causes
of many diseases in humans, animals and
plants
Why study biochemistry?
 To describe and explain in molecular terms
all chemical processes of living cells
 knowledge in biochemistry is essential to all
life sciences
 A reciprocal relationship between
biochemistry
 Normal biochemical processes are the basis
of health
 Biochemical research has impact on
nutrition and preventive medicine
 Most and perhaps all disease has
biochemical basis
Biochemistry and Medicine
Clinical Biochemistry
 Physiological Chemistry
- normal processes
- abnormal processes
Major Causes of Diseases
 Physical Agents: mechanical trauma,
temperature extremes, radiation, electric
shock
 Chemical Agents: toxic compounds, drugs
 Biologic Agents: viruses, bacteria, fungi,
parasites, biochemistry professors
 Genetic disease
 Oxygen Lack: loss of blood, decreased
oxygen-carrying capacity of blood,
mitochondrial poisoning
 Immunologic Reactions: anaphylaxis,
autoimmune disease
 Nutritional Imbalances: deficiencies,
excesses
 Endocrine Imbalances: hormonal
deficiencies/excesses
Organic Compounds
Two General Classifications
1. Hydrocarbons
 contain only atom and hydrogen
 Aliphatic Hydrocarbons
- no benzene rings or a
derivative of the benzene
ring
- Alkanes, Alkenes, and
Alkynes
 Aromatic Hydrocarbons
- contain benzene rings or a
derivative of benzene ring
2. Substituted Hydrogen
 which one or more hydrogen atom is
replaced by another atom or group
of atoms
 Functional group
- is an atom or group of atoms
arranged in a particular way
that is primarily responsible
for the chemical and physical
properties of the molecules
in which it is found
 Hydrophobicity vs. Hydrophilicity
1. Hydrophobic
 refers to the physical property of a
molecule that is repelled from a
mass of water
 alkanes, oil and fats

2. Hydrophilic
 refers to a physical property of a
molecule that can transiently bond
with water through hydrogen
bonding

Chemical Bonds
Two Principal Classes
1. Ionic bonding
 involves a transfer of one or more
electrons from one atom to another,
leading to the formation of an ionic
bond

2. Covalent bonding
 involves a sharing pairs of electrons
between atoms

3. Hydrogen bonding
 hydrogen atom is bonded to a small,
highly electronegative atom