CHEM 160
Introductory Biochemistry
Course No.: CHEM 160
Course Title: Introductory Biochemistry
Course Structure and Function of
Description: Biologically Active
Compounds in Living Systems
Prerequisites: CHEM 40 and CHEM 40.1
Course Credit: 3 units
CHEM 160
U 10-11:30; TTh; PS A-232
V 11:30-1; TTh; PS A-232
C2 10-11:30; WF; PS B-309
Lecturer: Prof. Carmelo E. Briones
PS A-118
Grading System
4 Lecture Exams = 60%
Quizzes = 10%
Final Exam = 30%
TOTAL 100%
PASSING GRADE: 60%
Course Outline
1. The Cell
2. Proteins (up to enzyme classification)
---FIRST EXAM---
3. Enzyme Kinetics
4. Bioenergetics
5. Carbohydrates
Structure, Function, Catabolism
---SECOND EXAM---
Course Outline
6. Carbohydrates
Anabolism
7. Lipids
---THIRD EXAM---
8. Nitrogen Metabolism
9. Integration of Metabolism
10. Nucleic Acids
---FOURTH EXAM---
Suggested References
• Biochemistry Lecture Manual
• Stryer, Tymoczko and Berg. Biochemistry
• Matthews, van Holde and Ahern. Biochemistry
• Lehninger, Nelson and Cox. Principles of
Biochemistry
• Murray, et al (eds). Harper’s Illustrated
Biochemistry
• Stoker. Organic and Biological Chemistry
Tips to PASS CHEM 160
• CHEM 160 is HEAVY in contents to memorize –
STUDY REGULARLY
• Come to class ON TIME!
• Read book chapters to supplement lecture
discussions
• Explore creative methods to remember and
understand the lesson.
• Don’t hesitate to seek clarification from your
lecturer – CONSULT whenever needed.
INTRODUCTION TO
BIOCHEMISTRY
BIOCHEMISTRY
“The study of Biochemistry shows how the
collections of inanimate molecules that
constitute living organisms interact to maintain
and perpetuate life animated solely by the
physical and chemical laws that govern the non-
living universe.”
-Lehninger, Principle of Biochemistry
BIOCHEMISTRY
“Biochemistry asks us how the remarkable
properties of living organisms arise from
the thousands of different lifeless
biomolecules.”
-Lehninger, Principle of Biochemistry
BIOCHEMISTRY
WHAT?
• The systematic study of the chemicals of living
systems, their organization into cells, and the
principles of their chemical interactions as they
participate in the process of life
WHY?
• Humanity is continuously challenged to seek
understanding of the most fundamental
processes of life at the molecular level.
Two notable breakthroughs in
the history of Biochemistry
1. Discovery of
enzyme’s role as
catalysts for
biochemical
reactions
2. Discovery of DNA
as the carrier of
genetic
information
Life is characterized by:
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
Life is characterized by:
CHEMICAL UNITY
• Compounds that make up living systems obey
the fundamental laws of chemistry – THERE ARE
NO NEW PRINCIPLES.
STRUCTURE
PROPERTY
FUNCTION
of BIOMOLECULES
Basic Scopes of Biochemistry
1. BIOCHEMICAL STRUCTURES
• Chemical and 3D structures
• Physical and chemical properties
• Interaction, organization and coordination
• Synthesis and degradation
Water
BIOINORGANIC ~ 70%
COMPOUNDS
Inorganic Salts
~ 5%
Proteins
BIOCHEMICAL ~ 15%
SUBSTANCES
Lipids
~ 8%
BIOORGANIC Carbohydrates
COMPOUNDS ~ 8%
Nucleic Acids
~ 8%
Small Organic
Compounds
Basic Scopes of Biochemistry
2. METABOLISM
• Describes all chemical reactions by which
complex molecules taken into an organism
are broken down to produce energy and by
which that energy is in turn used to build up
complex molecules.
• Energy production, utilization
and conservation
• CATABOLISM (breaking down)
• ANABOLISM (building up)
Basic Scopes of Biochemistry
METABOLIC PATHWAYS
• SERIES of chemical reactions occurring
within a cell
• Metabolic pathways are linked together by a
common intermediate
• Linked metabolic pathways =
Metabolic Network
The Glycolytic
Pathway
The Pentose
Phosphate Pathway
The Citric Acid
Cycle
Photosynthesis
Basic Scopes of Biochemistry
3. GENETIC INFORMATION
• Transmission,
expression and
storage of genetic
information
