The Chemistry of Life :
The Chemistry of life Biochemistry describes in molecular terms the structures,mechanisms, and chemical processes
shared by all organisms and provides organizing principles that underlie life in all its diverse forms,
principles we refer to collectively as the molecular logic of life.
The interface between chemistry and biology is an understanding of critical life processes at the chemical (molecular) level.
It is one of the most exciting and rapidly developing areas of science! It is a frontier in which its practitioners aim to describe the chemical principles underlying life processes.
Chemical basis of life provides the fundamental ideas relating to the chemistry of life that can then be applied to more advanced aspects of chemical biology. The reason we have to know some chemistry is because, cells are sacs of chemicals. The fact that sweating cools the skin is a function of the strong forces of attraction between water molecules. Our body maintains our blood at one critical pH because of the bicarbonate buffering system. To prevent heart attacks, we must begin with an understanding about the structure of fatty acids. Mad cow disease is caused by a misfolded protein. Biochemistry affects every aspect of our lives.
Much of biochemistry deals with the structures, functions and interactions of biological macromolecules.
Among the many events that occur in the life of a cell are a multitude of specific chemical transformations, which provide the cell with usable energy and the molecules needed to form its structure and coordinate its activities. These biochemical reactions and other cellular processes are governed by basic principles of chemistry.
Roughly 96 percent of the mass of the human body is made up of just four elements: oxygen, carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen, with a lot of that in the form of water. The remaining 4 percent is a sparse sampling of the periodic table of elements. Some of the more prominent representatives are called macro nutrients, whereas those appearing only at the level of parts per million or less are referred to as micronutrients. These nutrients perform various functions, including the building of bones and cell structures, regulating the body's pH, carrying charge, and driving chemical reactions.
Much of biochemistry deals with the structures, functions and interactions of biological macromolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids, which provide the structure of cells and perform many of the functions associated with life. It is the study which deals with many complex and interrelated chemical changes.
Although biochemistry provides important insights and practical applications in medicine, agriculture, nutrition, and industry, its ultimate concern is with the wonder of life itself.