Section outline

    • Overall Description of the Course

      This course introduces students to foundational concepts in biochemistry, focusing on the structure and function of macromolecules in biological systems. It explores the chemical properties, isolation, purification, and quantification of biomolecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. The course also examines enzyme kinetics, biochemical signaling, and the role of biological membranes and transport in cellular function.


  • This module introduces the students/pupils to the scope of biochemistry, and it application to various discipline such as Medicine, Health, Agriculture, and Biotechnology.

    • Biochemistry, is the study of chemical processes in living organisms, which combines the principles of biology and chemistry. It forms the foundation for advancements in medicine, Biotechnology, Agriculture, and Environmental science.

      AREAS IN BIOCHEMISTRY

      i. Structural Biochemistry ii. Metabolism iii. Enzymology iv. Molecular Biology v. Bioenergetics

       


    • Biochemistry, is the study of chemical processes in living organisms, which combines the principles of biology and chemistry. It forms the foundation for advancements in medicine, Biotechnology, Agriculture, and Environmental science.

      AREAS IN BIOCHEMISTRY

      i. Structural Biochemistry ii. Metabolism iii. Enzymology iv. Molecular Biology v. Bioenergetics

       


    • Introduction

      Carbohydrates are the most abundant macromolecules in nature. They are the main source and storage of energy in the body. They serve also as structural component of cell membrane. The general molecular formula of carbohydrate is CnH2nOn or (CH2O)n, where n > 3.

      Chemically, they contain the elements like carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Thus, they are Carbon compounds that contain large quantities of Hydroxyl groups (-OH).

      Carbohydrates in general are polyhydroxy aldehydes or ketones or compounds which give these substances on hydrolysis.

       

    • Introduction

      Carbohydrates are the most abundant macromolecules in nature. They are the main source and storage of energy in the body. They serve also as structural component of cell membrane. The general molecular formula of carbohydrate is CnH2nOn or (CH2O)n, where n > 3.

      Chemically, they contain the elements like carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Thus, they are Carbon compounds that contain large quantities of Hydroxyl groups (-OH).

      Carbohydrates in general are polyhydroxy aldehydes or ketones or compounds which give these substances on hydrolysis.

       

    • Lipids comprises heterogeneous group of compounds which are insoluble in water but soluble in non-polar organic solvents such us benzene, chloroform, and ether, present in all living organisms. 

      The group includes fats, oils, waxes and related compounds.

      General Functions of Lipids

      i. They are efficient energy sources.

      ii. Serve as thermal insulators.

      iii. They are structural components of the cell membrane.

      iv. Serve as precursors for hormones (steroid hormones).

      v. They also dissolve the vitamins, which are fat-soluble and assist their digestion.


    • Lipids comprises heterogeneous group of compounds which are insoluble in water but soluble in non-polar organic solvents such us benzene, chloroform, and ether, present in all living organisms. 

      The group includes fats, oils, waxes and related compounds.

      General Functions of Lipids

      i. They are efficient energy sources.

      ii. Serve as thermal insulators.

      iii. They are structural components of the cell membrane.

      iv. Serve as precursors for hormones (steroid hormones).

      v. They also dissolve the vitamins, which are fat-soluble and assist their digestion.