Biochemistry
hideBiochemistry is the study of the chemical processes in living organisms. It deals with the structure and function of cellular components such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids and other biomolecules.
Although there are a vast number of different biomolecules many are complex and large molecules (called polymers) that are composed of similar repeating subunits (called monomers). Each class of polymeric biomolecule has a different set of subunit types. For example, a protein is a polymer whose subunits are selected from a set of 20 or more amino acids. Biochemistry studies the chemical properties of important biological molecules, like proteins, in particular the chemistry of enzyme-catalyzed reactions.
The biochemistry of cell metabolism and the endocrine system has been extensively described. Other areas of biochemistry include the genetic code (DNA, RNA), protein synthesis, cell membrane transport, and signal transduction.
Since all known life forms that are still alive today are descended from the same common ancestor, they have generally similar biochemistries. It is unknown whether alternative biochemistries are possible or practical.
For more information about Biochemistry, read the full article at
Wikipedia.
This text uses material from Wikipedia and is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.
News tagged with biochemistry
Of Mutants and Mechanisms: Researching Growth-Regulation Proteins That Underlie Cancer
Nov 09, 2009 |
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(PhysOrg.com) --A University of Arkansas researcher will study potential cancer-causing mutants of a protein involved in cell growth regulation, thanks to a supplemental grant from the National Institutes ...
New discoveries in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Nov 04, 2009 |
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Researchers at UAB in collaboration with the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, have discovered the structure of the PPC descarboxilase (PPCDC) enzyme present in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a very important ...
Tapeworm Drug May Hold Promise For Colon Cancer, Future Research
Nov 04, 2009 |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- Duke University Medical Center researchers have discovered an already-FDA-approved compound that can effectively “silence” a cell receptor shown to interfere with chemotherapy.
Scientists Are First To Observe The Global Motions Of An Enzyme Copyinng DNA
Oct 27, 2009 |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists here have identified how the motions of an enzyme are related to correctly copying genetic instructions, setting the stage for studies that can uncover what happens when DNA copying ...
Biochemical 'On-Switch' Could Solve Protein Purification Challenge
Oct 20, 2009 |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- Drugs based on engineered proteins represent a new frontier for pharmaceutical makers. Even after they discover a protein that may form the basis of the next wonder drug, however, they have ...
Protein helps cells duplicate correctly, avoid becoming cancer
Oct 05, 2009 |
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A Purdue University researcher has discovered that the absence of certain proteins needed for proper cell duplication can lead to cancer.
Study Reveals Unexpected Ancient Cellular Structure
Sep 10, 2009 |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists at North Carolina State University have effectively lifted the veil from the structure of an ancient and important RNA-protein complex essential for the biosynthesis and function of the ribosome, ...
Study: Progesterone leads to inflammation
Aug 19, 2009 |
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Scientists at Michigan State University have found exposure to the hormone progesterone activates genes that trigger inflammation in the mammary gland.
From cell division to ageing: Scientists locate main cell switches
Aug 17, 2009 |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- Protein function and gene expression are often regulated by reversible modifications of already existing proteins. Scientists from the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry and the University ...
Marine microbes creating green waves in industry
Aug 07, 2009 |
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New technology designed to analyse large numbers of novel marine microbes could lead to more efficient and greener ways to manufacture new drugs for conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, flu and other viruses, as well as ...
Stunting plants' skyward reach could lead to improved yields
Jul 22, 2009 |
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In the forest's fight for survival, it's the tallest trees that prevail by reaching for sunlight and shading competition. Corn and other plants, too, divert precious energy to grow higher when nearby plants ...
Fighting disease atom by atom: Atomic map of hepatitis E may reveal strategies to fight it
Jul 21, 2009 |
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Researchers at Rice University and their international colleagues have for the first time described the atomic structure of the protein shell that carries the genetic code of hepatitis E (HEV). Their findings, ...
New evidence that popular dietary supplement may help prevent, treat cataracts
Jul 15, 2009 |
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Researchers are reporting evidence from tissue culture experiments that the popular dietary supplement carnosine may help to prevent and treat cataracts, a clouding of the lens of the eye that is a leading ...
Researchers gain insight into mechanism underlying Huntington's
Jul 13, 2009 |
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Researchers at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center and Graduate Center for Toxicology (GCT) have gained new insight into the genetic mechanisms underlying Huntington's disease and other neurodegenerative or neuromuscular ...
Scientists find a biological 'fountain of youth' in new world bat caves
Jun 30, 2009 |
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Scientists from Texas are batty over a new discovery which could lead to the single most important medical breakthrough in human history -- significantly longer lifespans. The discovery, featured on the cover of the July ...
