When did the term dbh appear in biochemistry? What is biochemistry? Nucleic acid molecule

BIOCHEMISTRY. Lecture No. 1. Biochemistry as a science. Structure and functions of the main substances in the body. Subject and methods of research in biochemistry. Overview of main classes organic matter, their role in homeostasis.

Biochemistry (from the Greek βίος - “life” and Egyptian kēme - “Earth”, also biological or physiological chemistry) is the science of the chemical composition of organisms and their components and the chemical processes occurring in organisms. Science deals with the structure and function of substances that are components of cells and make up the body, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids and other biomolecules. Biochemistry seeks to answer biological and biochemical questions using chemical methods.

Biochemistry is a relatively young science that arose at the intersection of biology and chemistry at the end of the 19th century. She studies the processes of development and functioning of organisms in the language of molecules, the structure and chemical processes that ensure the life of single- and multicellular creatures inhabiting the Earth. Outstanding discoveries in the field of enzymes, biochemical genetics, molecular biology and bioenergetics have turned biochemistry into a fundamental discipline that allows solving many important problems of biology and medicine.

Although there is a wide range of different biomolecules, many of them are polymers, i.e. complex large molecules consisting of many similar subunits, monomers. Each class of polymer biomolecules has its own set of types of these subunits. For example, proteins are polymers made of amino acids. Biochemistry studies Chemical properties important biological molecules such as proteins, particularly the chemistry of reactions catalyzed by enzymes.

Besides, most of Research in biochemistry deals with cell metabolism and its endocrine and paracrine regulation. Other areas of biochemistry include the study of the genetic code of DNA and RNA, protein biosynthesis, transport across biological membranes, and signal transduction.

The foundations of biochemistry were laid in the mid-19th century, when scientists such as Friedrich Violer and Anselm Paen were able to describe for the first time the chemical processes in living organisms and show that they are no different from ordinary chemical processes. Many works at the beginning of the 20th century led to an understanding of the structure of proteins, it became possible to carry out biochemical reactions (alcoholic fermentation) outside the cell, etc. At the same time, the term “biochemistry” itself began to be used. The foundations of biochemistry in Ukraine were laid by Vladimir Ivanovich Vernadsky in the 20s of the last century.

Story

By the early 19th century there was a general belief that life was not subject to the physical and chemical laws inherent inanimate nature. It was believed that only living organisms are capable of producing molecules characteristic of them. It was only in 1828 that Friedrich Wöhler published work on the synthesis of urea, carried out in laboratory conditions, proving that organic compounds can be created artificially. This discovery dealt a serious defeat to vitalist scientists who had denied this possibility.

By that time, factual material for primary biochemical generalizations already existed, which had accumulated in connection with practical activities people aimed at making food and wine, obtaining yarn from plants, cleaning skin from wool with the help of microbes, studying the composition and properties of urine and other secretions of a healthy and sick person. After Wehler's work, scientific concepts such as respiration, fermentation, fermentation, and photosynthesis gradually began to be established. The study of the chemical composition and properties of compounds isolated from animals and plants becomes the subject of organic chemistry (chemistry of organic compounds).

The birth of biochemistry was also marked by the discovery of the first enzyme, diastase (now known as amylase) in 1833 by Anselm Paen. The difficulties associated with obtaining enzymes from tissues and cells were used by proponents of vitalism to argue that it was impossible to study cellular enzymes outside living beings. This statement was refuted by the Russian physician M. Manasseina (1871 - 1872), who proposed the possibility of observing alcoholic fermentation in extracts of ground (i.e., lacking structural integrity) yeast. In 1896, this possibility was confirmed by the German scientist Eduard Buchner, who was able to experimentally recreate this process.

The term “biochemistry” itself was first proposed in 1882, but it is believed that it gained widespread use after the work of the German chemist Carl Neuberg in 1903. By that time, this field of research was known as physiological chemistry. After this time, biochemistry developed rapidly, especially from the mid-20th century, primarily through the development of new techniques such as chromatography, X-ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy, radiolabeling, electron and optical microscopy, and finally molecular dynamics and other computational techniques. biology. These methods allowed the discovery and detailed analysis of many molecules and metabolic pathways of the cell, such as glycolysis and the Krebs cycle.

Other important historical event in the development of biochemistry was the discovery of genes and their role in the transmission of information in the cell. This discovery laid the possibility of the emergence not only of genetics, but also of its interdisciplinary branch at the intersection with biochemistry - molecular biology. In the 1950s, James Watson, Francis Crick, Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins were able to decipher the structure of DNA and suggested its connection with the genetic transmission of information in the cell. Also in the 1950s, George Otley and Edward Tatum proved that a single gene is responsible for the synthesis of a single protein. With the development of DNA analysis techniques such as genetic fingerprinting, in 1988 Colleen Pitchfork became the first person to be charged with murder using DNA evidence, marking the first major success of biochemical forensics. In the 200s, Andrew Fire and Craig Mello showed the role of RNA interference (RNAi) in suppressing gene expression.

Currently, biochemical research is proceeding in three directions, formulated by Michael Sugar. Plant biochemistry studies the biochemistry of predominantly autotrophic organisms and studies processes such as photosynthesis and others. General biochemistry includes the study of plants, animals and humans, while medical biochemistry focuses primarily on human biochemistry and abnormalities in biochemical processes, particularly as a result of disease.

Biochemistry (from the Greek “bios” - “life”, biological or physiological) is a science that studies chemical processes inside a cell that affect the functioning of the entire organism or its specific organs. The goal of the science of biochemistry is knowledge chemical elements, composition and process of metabolism, methods of its regulation in the cell. According to other definitions, biochemistry is the science of the chemical structure of cells and organisms of living beings.

To understand why biochemistry is needed, let’s imagine the sciences in the form of an elementary table.

As you can see, the basis for all sciences is anatomy, histology and cytology, which study all living things. On their basis, biochemistry, physiology and pathophysiology are built, where they study the functioning of organisms and the chemical processes within them. Without these sciences, the rest that are represented in the upper sector will not be able to exist.

There is another approach, according to which sciences are divided into 3 types (levels):

• Those that study the cellular, molecular and tissue level of life (the sciences of anatomy, histology, biochemistry, biophysics);
• Study pathological processes and diseases (pathophysiology, pathological anatomy);
• Diagnose the body's external reaction to diseases ( clinical sciences such as therapy and surgery).

This is how we found out what place biochemistry, or, as it is also called, medical biochemistry, occupies among the sciences. After all, any abnormal behavior of the body, the process of its metabolism will affect chemical structure cells and will manifest itself during the LHC.

Why are tests taken? What does a biochemical blood test show?

Blood biochemistry is a laboratory diagnostic method that shows diseases in various areas of medicine (for example, therapy, gynecology, endocrinology) and helps determine the work internal organs and the quality of metabolism of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates, as well as the sufficiency of microelements in the body.

BAC, or biochemical blood test, is an analysis that provides the broadest information regarding a variety of diseases. Based on its results, you can find out the functional state of the body and each organ in special case, because any ailment that attacks a person will one way or another manifest itself in the results of the LHC.

What is included in biochemistry?

It is not very convenient, and it is not necessary, to conduct biochemical studies of absolutely all indicators, and besides, the more of them, the more blood you need, and also the more expensive they will cost you. Therefore, a distinction is made between standard and complex tanks. The standard one is prescribed in most cases, but the extended one with additional indicators is prescribed by the doctor if he needs to find out additional nuances depending on the symptoms of the disease and the purpose of the analysis.

Basic indicators.

1. Total protein in the blood (TP, Total Protein).
2. Bilirubin.
3. Glucose, lipase.
4. ALT (Alanine aminotransferase, ALT) and AST (Aspartate aminotransferase, AST).
5. Creatinine.
6. Urea.
7. Electrolytes (Potassium, K/Calcium, Ca/Sodium, Na/Chlorine, Cl/Magnesium, Mg).
8. Total cholesterol.

The expanded profile includes any of these additional indicators (as well as others, very specific and narrowly focused, not indicated in this list).

Biochemical general therapeutic standard: adult norms

Decoding biochemistry

The decoding of the data described above is carried out according to certain values ​​and standards.

1. Total protein is the amount of total protein found in the human body. Exceeding the norm indicates various inflammations in the body (problems of the liver, kidneys, genitourinary system, burn disease or cancer), with dehydration (dehydration) during vomiting, sweating in particularly large quantities, intestinal obstruction or multiple myeloma, deficiency - an imbalance in a nutritious diet, prolonged fasting, intestinal disease, liver disease or when synthesis is impaired as a result hereditary diseases.
2. 
   Albumen‒ this is a highly concentrated protein fraction contained in the blood. It binds water, and its low amount leads to the development of edema - water is not retained in the blood and enters the tissues. Usually, if protein decreases, then the amount of albumin decreases.
3. General analysis of bilirubin in plasma(direct and indirect) - this is the diagnosis of a pigment that is formed after the breakdown of hemoglobin (it is toxic for humans). Hyperbilirubinemia (exceeding the level of bilirubin) is called jaundice, and clinical jaundice is subhepatic (including in newborns), hepatocellular and subhepatic. It indicates anemia, extensive hemorrhages subsequently hemolytic anemia, hepatitis, liver destruction, oncology and other diseases. It is scary because of liver pathology, but it can also increase in a person who has suffered blows and injuries.
4. Glucose. Its level determines carbohydrate metabolism, that is, energy in the body, and how the pancreas works. If there is a lot of glucose, it may be diabetes, physical activity, or the effect of taking hormonal drugs; if there is little, it may be hyperfunction of the pancreas, diseases of the endocrine system.
5. Lipase – It is a fat-breaking enzyme that plays an important role in metabolism. Its increase indicates pancreatic disease.
6. ALT– “liver marker”; it is used to monitor pathological processes in the liver. An increased rate indicates problems with the heart, liver or hepatitis (viral).
7. AST– “heart marker”, it shows the quality of the heart. Exceeding the norm indicates a disruption of the heart and hepatitis.
8. Creatinine– provides information about the functioning of the kidneys. It is elevated if a person has acute or chronic kidney disease or there is destruction of muscle tissue or endocrine disorders. Increased in people who eat a lot of meat products. And therefore, creatinine is lowered in vegetarians, as well as in pregnant women, but it will not greatly affect the diagnosis.
9. Urea analysis- This is a study of the products of protein metabolism, liver and kidney function. An overestimation of the indicator occurs when there is a malfunction of the kidneys, when they cannot cope with the removal of fluid from the body, and a decrease is typical for pregnant women, with diet and disorders associated with liver function.
10. Ggt in biochemical analysis it informs about the metabolism of amino acids in the body. Its high rate is visible in alcoholism, as well as if the blood is affected by toxins or dysfunction of the liver and biliary tract is suspected. Low – if there are chronic liver diseases.
11. Ldg The study characterizes the course of the energy processes of glycolysis and lactate. A high indicator indicates a negative effect on the liver, lungs, heart, pancreas or kidneys (pneumonia, heart attack, pancreatitis and others). A low lactate dehydrogenase level, like low creatinine, will not affect the diagnosis. If LDH is elevated, the reasons in women may be the following: increased physical activity and pregnancy. In newborns, this figure is also slightly higher.
12. Electrolyte balance indicates the normal process of metabolism into the cell and out of the cell back, including the process of the heart. Nutritional disorders are often the main cause of electrolyte imbalance, but it can also be vomiting, diarrhea, hormonal imbalance or kidney failure.
13. Cholesterol(cholesterol) total - increases if a person has obesity, atherosclerosis, liver dysfunction, thyroid gland, and decreases when a person goes on a low-fat diet, with septicism or other infection.
14. Amylase- an enzyme found in saliva and pancreas. High level will show if there are cholecystitis, signs of diabetes, peritonitis, mumps and pancreatitis. It will also increase if you consume alcoholic beverages or drugs - glucocorticoids, which is also typical for pregnant women during toxicosis.

There are a lot of biochemistry indicators, both basic and additional; complex biochemistry is also carried out, which includes both basic and additional indicators at the discretion of the doctor.

To take biochemistry on an empty stomach or not: how to prepare for the analysis?

A blood test for HD is a responsible process, and you need to prepare for it in advance and with all seriousness.

These measures are necessary so that the analysis is more accurate and no additional factors influence it. Otherwise, you will have to retake the tests, since the slightest changes in conditions will significantly affect the metabolic process.

Where do they get it from and how to donate blood?

Donating blood for biochemistry involves taking blood with a syringe from a vein on the elbow, sometimes from a vein on the forearm or hand. On average, 5-10 ml of blood is enough to measure basic indicators. If a detailed biochemistry analysis is needed, then a larger volume of blood is taken.

The norm of biochemistry indicators on specialized equipment from different manufacturers may differ slightly from the average limits. The express method involves obtaining results within one day.

The procedure for drawing blood is almost painless: you sit down, the treatment nurse prepares a syringe, puts a tourniquet on your arm, treats the area where the injection will be given with an antiseptic and takes a blood sample.

The resulting sample is placed in a test tube and sent to the laboratory for diagnosis. The laboratory doctor places the plasma sample into a special device that is designed to determine biochemical parameters with high accuracy. He also processes and stores blood, determines the dosage and procedure for conducting biochemistry, diagnoses the results obtained, depending on the indicators required by the attending physician, and prepares a form for the results of biochemistry and laboratory chemical analysis.

Laboratory chemical analysis is transmitted within a day to the attending physician, who makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment.

The LHC, with its many different indicators, makes it possible to see an extensive clinical picture of a specific person and a specific disease.

Hospital patients and their relatives often wonder what biochemistry is. This word can be used in two meanings: as science and as a designation biochemical analysis blood. Let's look at each of them.

Biochemistry as a science

Biological or physiological chemistry - biochemistry is a science that studies the chemical composition of the cells of any living organisms. In the course of its study, the patterns in accordance with which everything occurs are also considered. chemical reactions in living tissues that ensure the vital functions of organisms.

Scientific disciplines related to biochemistry are molecular biology, organic chemistry, cell biology etc. The word “biochemistry” can be used, for example, in the sentence: “Biochemistry as a separate science was formed approximately 100 years ago.”

But you can learn more about similar science if you read our article.

Blood biochemistry

A biochemical blood test involves a laboratory study of various indicators in the blood, tests are taken from a vein (the process of venipuncture). Based on the results of the study, it is possible to assess the condition of the body, and specifically its organs and systems. More information about this analysis can be found in our section.

Thanks to blood biochemistry, you can find out how the kidneys, liver, heart work, as well as determine the rheumatic factor, water-salt balance, etc.

What is biochemistry? Biological or physiological biochemistry is the science of chemical processes that underlie the life of an organism and those that occur inside a cell. The purpose of biochemistry (the term comes from the Greek word “bios” - “life”) as a science is the study chemical substances, structure and metabolism of cells, the nature and methods of its regulation, the mechanism of energy supply for processes within cells.

Medical biochemistry: the essence and goals of science

Medical biochemistry is a section that studies the chemical composition of cells human body, metabolism in it (including in pathological conditions). After all, any disease, even in an asymptomatic period, will inevitably leave its mark on the chemical processes in cells and the properties of molecules, which will be reflected in the results of biochemical analysis. Without knowledge of biochemistry, it is impossible to find the cause of the disease and the way to effectively treat it.

Biochemical blood test

What is a blood chemistry test? Biochemical blood testing is one of the laboratory diagnostic methods in many areas of medicine (for example, endocrinology, therapy, gynecology).

It helps to accurately diagnose the disease and examine a blood sample using the following parameters:

Alanine aminotransferase (ALAT, ALT);

Cholesterol or cholesterol;

Bilirubin;

Urea;

Diastasis;

Glucose, lipase;

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST, AST);

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), gamma GT (glutamyl transpeptidase);

Creatinine, protein;

Antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus.

For the health of every person, it is important to know what blood biochemistry is and to understand that its indicators will not only provide all the data for an effective treatment regimen, but will also help prevent disease. Deviations from normal indicators- this is the first signal that something is wrong in the body.

blood for liver research: significance and goals

In addition, biochemical diagnostics will allow monitoring the dynamics of the disease and the results of treatment, creating a complete picture of metabolism, deficiency of microelements in organ function. For example, liver biochemistry will be a mandatory test for people with liver dysfunction. What is this? This is the name of a biochemical blood test to study the quantity and quality of liver enzymes. If their synthesis is impaired, then this condition threatens the development of diseases and inflammatory processes.

Specifics of liver biochemistry

Biochemistry of the liver - what is it? The human liver consists of water, lipids, and glycogen. Its tissues contain minerals: copper, iron, nickel, manganese, so the biochemical study of liver tissue is a very informative and quite effective analysis. The most important enzymes in the liver are glucokinase and hexokinase. The following liver enzymes are most sensitive to biochemical tests: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST). As a rule, the study is guided by the indicators of these substances.

For complete and successful monitoring of their health, everyone should know what “biochemistry analysis” is.

Areas of biochemistry research and the importance of correct interpretation of analysis results

What does biochemistry study? First of all, metabolic processes, the chemical composition of the cell, the chemical nature and function of enzymes, vitamins, acids. It is possible to evaluate blood parameters using these parameters only if the analysis is correctly interpreted. If everything is fine, then blood parameters for various parameters (glucose level, protein, blood enzymes) should not deviate from the norm. Otherwise, this should be regarded as a signal of a malfunction of the body.

Decoding biochemistry

How to decipher the numbers in the analysis results? Below are the main indicators.

Glucose

The glucose level shows the quality of the carbohydrate metabolism process. The limiting norm of content should not exceed 5.5 mmol/l. If the level is lower, this may indicate diabetes, endocrine diseases, and liver problems. Increased level glucose may be due to diabetes, physical activity, or hormonal medications.

Protein

Cholesterol

Urea

This is the name given to the end product of protein breakdown. U healthy person it must be completely excreted from the body in urine. If this does not happen, and it gets into the blood, then you should definitely check your kidney function.

Hemoglobin

This is a red blood cell protein that saturates the body's cells with oxygen. Norm: for men - 130-160 g/l, for girls - 120-150 g/l. A low level of hemoglobin in the blood is considered one of the indicators of developing anemia.

Biochemical blood test for blood enzymes (ALAT, AST, CPK, amylase)

Enzymes are responsible for the proper functioning of the liver, heart, kidneys, and pancreas. Without the required amount, a complete exchange of amino acids is simply impossible.

The level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST, AST - a cellular enzyme of the heart, kidneys, liver) should not be higher than 41 and 31 units/l for men and women, respectively. Otherwise, this may indicate the development of hepatitis and heart disease.

Lipase (an enzyme that breaks down fats) plays an important role in metabolism and should not exceed 190 units/l. An elevated level indicates a malfunction of the pancreas.

It is difficult to overestimate the importance of biochemical analysis for blood enzymes. Every person who cares about their health must know what biochemistry is and what it studies.

Amylase

This enzyme is found in the pancreas and saliva. It is responsible for the breakdown of carbohydrates and their absorption. Norm - 28-100 units/l. Its high level in the blood may indicate renal failure, cholecystitis, diabetes mellitus, peritonitis.

The results of a biochemical blood test are recorded on a special form, which indicates the levels of substances. Often this analysis is prescribed as an additional one to clarify the intended diagnosis. When deciphering the results of blood biochemistry, keep in mind that they are also influenced by the patient’s gender, age and lifestyle. Now you know what biochemistry studies and how to correctly interpret its results.

How to properly prepare for donating blood for biochemistry?

Acute diseases of internal organs;

Intoxication;

Vitamin deficiency;

Inflammatory processes;

For the prevention of diseases during pregnancy;

To clarify the diagnosis.

Blood for analysis is taken early in the morning, and you cannot eat before coming to the doctor. Otherwise, the analysis results will be distorted. A biochemical study will show how correct your metabolism and salts in the body are. In addition, refrain from drinking sweet tea, coffee, or milk at least an hour or two before blood sampling.

Be sure to answer the question of what biochemistry is before taking the test. Knowing the process and its significance will help you correctly assess your health status and be competent in medical matters.

How is blood taken for biochemistry?

The procedure does not last long and is practically painless. From a person in a sitting position (sometimes they offer to lie down on the couch), the doctor takes it after applying a tourniquet. The injection site must be treated with an antiseptic. The collected sample is placed in a sterile tube and sent for analysis to the laboratory.

Quality control of biochemical research is carried out in several stages:

Preanalytical (patient preparation, analysis, transportation to the laboratory);

Analytical (processing and storage of biomaterial, dosing, reaction, result analysis);

Post-analytical (filling out a form with the result, laboratory and clinical analysis, sending to the doctor).

The quality of the biochemistry result depends on the appropriateness of the chosen research method, the competence of laboratory technicians, the accuracy of measurements, technical equipment, the purity of reagents, and adherence to diet.

Biochemistry for hair

What is biochemistry for hair? Biocurling is a method of long-term curling of curls. The difference between a regular perm and a bioperm is fundamental. In the latter case, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, and thioglycolic acid are not used. The role of the active substance is played by a cystine analogue (biological protein). This is where the name of the hair styling method comes from.

The undoubted advantages are:

Gentle effect on the hair structure;

Blurred line between regrown and bio-permed hair;

The procedure can be repeated without waiting for its effect to completely disappear.

But before going to the master, you should consider the following nuances:

The biowave technology is relatively complex, and you need to be meticulous in choosing a specialist;

The effect is short-lived, about 1-4 months (especially on hair that has not been permed, dyed, or has a dense structure);

Biowave is not cheap (on average 1500-3500 rubles).

Biochemistry methods

What is biochemistry and what methods are used for research? Their choice depends on its purpose and the tasks set by the doctor. They are designed to study the biochemical structure of the cell, examine the sample for possible deviations from the norm and thus help diagnose the disease, find out the dynamics of recovery, etc.

Biochemistry is one of the most effective analyzes to clarify, make a diagnosis, monitor treatment, and determine a successful treatment regimen.

Biochemistry is a whole science that studies, firstly, the chemical composition of cells and organisms, and secondly, the chemical processes that underlie their life activity. The term was introduced into the scientific community in 1903 by a German chemist named Karl Neuberg.

However, the processes of biochemistry themselves have been known since ancient times. And on the basis of these processes, people baked bread and made cheese, made wine and tanned animal skins, treated diseases with the help of herbs, and then medicines. And the basis of all this is precisely biochemical processes.

For example, without knowing anything about science itself, the Arab scientist and physician Avicenna, who lived in the 10th century, described many medicinal substances and their effects on the body. And Leonardo da Vinci concluded that a living organism can only live in an atmosphere in which a flame can burn.

Like any other science, biochemistry applies its own methods research and study. And the most important of them are chromatography, centrifugation and electrophoresis.

Biochemistry today is a science that has made a big leap in its development. For example, it became known that of all the chemical elements on earth, a little more than a quarter is present in the human body. And most of the rare elements, except iodine and selenium, are completely unnecessary for humans to maintain life. But two common elements such as aluminum and titanium have not yet been found in the human body. And it is simply impossible to find them - they are not needed for life. And among all of them, only 6 are those that a person needs every day and it is from them that 99% of our body consists. These are carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, calcium and phosphorus.

Biochemistry is a science that studies such important components of foods as proteins, fats, carbohydrates and nucleic acids. Today we know almost everything about these substances.

Some people confuse two sciences - biochemistry and organic chemistry. But biochemistry is a science that studies biological processes, which occur only in a living organism. But organic chemistry is a science that studies certain carbon compounds, and these include alcohols, ethers, aldehydes and many, many other compounds.

Biochemistry is also a science that includes cytology, that is, the study of a living cell, its structure, functioning, reproduction, aging and death. This branch of biochemistry is often called molecular biology.

However, molecular biology, as a rule, works with nucleic acids, but biochemists are more interested in proteins and enzymes that trigger certain biochemical reactions.

Today, biochemistry is increasingly using the developments of genetic engineering and biotechnology. However, in themselves, these are also different sciences, which each study their own. For example, biotechnology is studying methods of cloning cells, and genetic engineering is trying to find ways to replace a diseased gene in the human body with a healthy one and thereby avoid the development of many hereditary diseases.

And all these sciences are closely interconnected, which helps them develop and work for the benefit of humanity.