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Showing posts with the label biochemistry

NExt biochemistry: types of RNA

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RNA (ribonucleic acid) is a molecule that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including gene expression, protein synthesis, and regulation of cellular functions. There are several types of RNA molecules, each with its own distinct functions. The major types of RNA include: **1. Messenger RNA (mRNA):** - mRNA carries genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis (translation). **2. Transfer RNA (tRNA):** - tRNA molecules transport specific amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis. Each tRNA has an anticodon that matches with the codon on the mRNA, ensuring the correct sequence of amino acids in the growing protein chain. **3. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA):** - rRNA is a structural component of ribosomes, the cellular machinery where protein synthesis takes place. rRNA helps catalyze the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids. **4. Small Nuclear RNA (snRNA):**

NExt biochemistry: enzymes classification

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Enzymes are biological catalysts that play a critical role in facilitating biochemical reactions within living organisms. Enzymes can be classified in various ways based on their structure, function, and other properties. Here's a classification of enzymes based on their functional characteristics: **1. Oxidoreductases:** - Catalyze oxidation-reduction reactions by transferring electrons between molecules. - Example: Dehydrogenases, oxidases, peroxidases. **2. Transferases:** - Transfer functional groups (e.g., methyl, phosphate, amino) from one molecule to another. - Example: Kinases, transaminases, methyltransferases. **3. Hydrolases:** - Catalyze hydrolysis reactions, breaking down molecules with the addition of water. - Example: Lipases, proteases, nucleases. **4. Lyases:** - Catalyze addition or removal of groups from a molecule without hydrolysis. - Example: Decarboxylases, synthases. **5. Isomerases:** - Catalyze the rearrangement of atoms within a molecule to fo

NExt biochemistry:vitamins antagonist

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Vitamin antagonists are compounds that interfere with the normal absorption, metabolism, or functions of vitamins in the body. These antagonists can lead to vitamin deficiencies and have detrimental effects on health. Here are some examples of vitamin antagonists: **1. Vitamin K Antagonists:** - **Antagonist:** Warfarin and other anticoagulant medications. - **Effect:** Inhibit the activity of vitamin K, which is necessary for the production of blood clotting factors. Prolonged use can lead to bleeding disorders. **2. Vitamin B6 Antagonists:** - **Antagonist:** Isoniazid (used to treat tuberculosis). - **Effect:** Isoniazid can interfere with the metabolism of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), leading to deficiency symptoms such as neuropathy. **3. Vitamin B9 (Folate) Antagonists:** - **Antagonist:** Methotrexate (used to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases). - **Effect:** Methotrexate can inhibit the conversion of folic acid to its active form, leading to folate deficiency and res

NExt biochemistry:reducing sugars vs non reducing sugars

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Reducing sugars and non-reducing sugars are classifications based on their chemical properties related to their ability to reduce certain chemical compounds. These classifications are commonly used in biochemistry to describe the behavior of different types of sugars. ** Reducing Sugars:** - ** Definition :** Reducing sugars are sugars that have a free aldehyde or ketone group in their molecular structure. This free functional group can donate electrons and reduce other compounds. - ** Behavior :** Reducing sugars can reduce other substances, such as copper ions in the Benedict's reagent or Fehling's solution, resulting in color changes. This property is due to the presence of a reactive carbonyl group (aldehyde or ketone). - ** Examples :** Glucose , fructose , galactose, maltose, lactose are all reducing sugars because they have a free carbonyl group. Other related articles  biochemistry of fats ** Non-Reducing Sugars:** - ** Definition :** Non-reducing sugar

abnormal urine constituents and biochemical laboratory tests

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There are various laboratory tests that can be conducted to detect and analyze abnormal constituents in urine. These tests help diagnose underlying medical conditions and provide valuable information about the health of the urinary system and the body as a whole. Here are some common tests for abnormal urine constituents: **1. Urinalysis (UA):** - This is a basic test that involves physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. - It can detect abnormalities such as proteinuria (presence of protein), hematuria (presence of blood), glucosuria (presence of glucose), and bilirubinuria (presence of bilirubin). **2. Microscopic Examination:** - Microscopic analysis involves observing urine sediment under a microscope to identify cells, crystals, and casts. - Abnormalities include the presence of red and white blood cells, epithelial cells, casts (protein clumps), and crystals. **3. Proteinuria Test:** - Measures the amount of protein in urine to detect conditions like

amino acids: ketogenic, glucogenic

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Ketogenic amino acids are a subset of amino acids that can be metabolized to produce ketone bodies. Ketone bodies are water-soluble molecules produced in the liver during periods of low carbohydrate intake or fasting. They serve as an alternative fuel source for the brain and other tissues when glucose availability is limited. Here are the two main ketogenic amino acids: 1. **Leucine:**    - Leucine is an essential amino acid, meaning it must be obtained from the diet since the body cannot synthesize it.    - It can be converted into acetyl-CoA, a precursor of ketone bodies.    - Leucine is also an important amino acid for protein synthesis and has roles in regulating muscle protein synthesis and energy balance. 2. **Lysine:**    - Lysine is also an essential amino acid.    - It can be metabolized to produce acetoacetyl-CoA, which is a precursor of ketone bodies.    - Lysine plays various roles in protein synthesis, collagen formation, and immune function. While leucine and

NExt biochemistry: genetic code &, wobble base pairing

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The genetic code is the set of rules that governs the translation of genetic information stored in DNA or RNA into the corresponding amino acid sequences of proteins. It defines the relationship between sequences of nucleotides (codons) in the genetic material and the specific amino acids they encode. The genetic code is universal across most living organisms, with a few exceptions. Key features of the genetic code include: 1. **Codons:** A codon consists of three consecutive nucleotides (A, T, G, or C in DNA; A, U, G, or C in RNA). Each codon represents a specific amino acid or a start/stop signal. 2. **Amino Acids:** There are 20 standard amino acids that make up proteins. Some amino acids have multiple codons encoding them, while others have only one. 3. **Start and Stop Codons:**    - The start codon, AUG (methionine), signals the beginning of protein synthesis.    - Stop codons (UAA, UAG, UGA) signal the termination of protein synthesis. 4. **Degeneracy:** Most amino a

NExt biochemistry: purine metabolism

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Purine metabolism is the process by which cells synthesize, degrade, and recycle purine nucleotides, which are essential components of DNA, RNA, and various coenzymes. Purines are nitrogenous bases that include adenine and guanine. This metabolism involves pathways like the de novo synthesis of purines, salvage pathways that recycle purine bases, and degradation pathways that lead to the production of uric acid. Disruptions in purine metabolism can lead to conditions like gout and certain genetic disorders. Certainly! Purine metabolism is a complex biochemical process that involves the synthesis, salvage, and degradation of purine nucleotides. These nucleotides are essential building blocks for DNA, RNA, and various coenzymes. Here's a detailed explanation of the main pathways involved: 1. **De Novo Synthesis of Purines:**    The de novo synthesis pathway starts with simple molecules and builds purine nucleotides from scratch. The pathway consists of multiple enzymatic

DNA replication and RNA synthesis

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Install App DNA replication is the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA to generate two identical copies, each of which is passed on to daughter cells during cell division. It is a crucial biological process that ensures genetic continuity and fidelity across generations. Here's an overview of DNA replication: 1. **Initiation**:    - DNA replication begins at specific sites called origins of replication. In eukaryotic cells, these origins are marked by the binding of initiator proteins.    - Helicase enzymes unwind and separate the DNA strands at the origin, creating a replication bubble. 2. **Elongation**:    - DNA polymerase enzymes are responsible for adding nucleotides to the growing DNA strands. These enzymes require a primer (a short RNA sequence) to initiate nucleotide addition.    - The leading strand is synthesized continuously in the 5' to 3' direction (the same direction as the unwinding), while the lagging strand