Sign In

Chapter 4

Biochemistry of the Cell

Compounds Essential to Human Function
Compounds Essential to Human Function
The human body is composed of cells that are fundamentally made up of several different molecules. These molecules are essential to carry out all ...
Role of Water in Human Biology
Role of Water in Human Biology
Water is the one of the most significant components of the human body; it plays a crucial role in several physiological activities because of its unique ...
Introduction to Electrolytes
Introduction to Electrolytes
In humans, electrolytes play a vital role in various physiological processes. Balancing electrolyte levels is essential for normal body functions; their ...
pH Homeostasis
pH Homeostasis
Acid-base homeostasis is essential for maintaining normal physiological activities in humans. The pH of various body fluids is strictly regulated because ...
Overview of Functional Groups
Overview of Functional Groups
Functional groups are a group of atoms with characteristic properties, which when linked to the carbon skeleton of a molecule, alter the properties of ...
Introduction to Carbohydrates
Introduction to Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are the primary macronutrients in the human diet. However, carbohydrates are the most favored source of energy in the ...
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Carbohydrates are polymers composed of molecules containing atoms of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. One gram of carbohydrate can provide four kilo-calories ...
Sugars as Energy Storage Molecules
Sugars as Energy Storage Molecules
Sugar (a simple carbohydrate) metabolism (chemical reactions) is a classic example of the many cellular processes that use and produce energy. Living ...
What are Lipids?
What are Lipids?
Lipids function as structural components of cellular membranes, in addition to acting as energy reservoirs and signaling molecules. They are thus crucial ...
Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body
Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body
Fats and lipids are crucial components in the human body. Some lipid-derived compounds, such as fat-soluble vitamins, eicosanoids, lipoproteins, and ...
Fats as Energy Storage Molecules
Fats as Energy Storage Molecules
Triglycerides are a form of long-term energy storage molecules. They are made of glycerol and three fatty acids. To obtain energy from fat, triglycerides ...
What are Proteins?
What are Proteins?
Proteins are polymers of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Proteins and polypeptides are interchangeably used to refer to long chains of amino ...
Protein Organization
Protein Organization
Proteins are polymers of amino acid residues. They are versatile and responsible for different cellular functions, including DNA replication, molecular ...
Globular Proteins
Globular Proteins
In organisms, proteins are the most abundant macromolecules. They act as the building blocks of life and play various crucial roles in the body. Proteins ...
Fibrous Proteins
Fibrous Proteins
Fibrous proteins are either long and narrow proteins or assemble to form long and thin structures. They contain repetitive units and usually consist of ...
Protein Denaturation
Protein Denaturation
The function of proteins depends on their native three-dimensional structure, which is dictated by the amino acid sequence of the specific protein. ...
Role of Proteins in the Human Body
Role of Proteins in the Human Body
Proteins are the building block of life. They are also  the most abundant macromolecules with as many diverse roles in the body. They are part of ...
Introduction To Enzymes
Introduction To Enzymes
The use of enzymes by humans dates to 7000 BCE. Humans first used enzymes to ferment sugars and produce alcohol without knowing that this was an ...
Enzymes and Activation Energy
Enzymes and Activation Energy
The activation energy (or free energy of activation), abbreviated as Ea, is the small amount of energy input necessary for all chemical reactions to ...
Introduction to Mechanisms of Enzyme Catalysis
Introduction to Mechanisms of Enzyme Catalysis
For many years, scientists thought that enzyme-substrate binding took place in a simple "lock-and-key" fashion. This model stated that the enzyme ...
Nucleic Acids and Nucleotides
Nucleic Acids and Nucleotides
Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and have instructions for its ...
Nucleic Acid Structure
Nucleic Acid Structure
The pentose sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, while in RNA the pentose sugar is ribose. The difference between the sugars is the presence of the hydroxyl group ...
ATP Energy Storage and Release
ATP Energy Storage and Release
ATP is a highly unstable molecule. Unless quickly used to perform work, ATP spontaneously dissociates into ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi), and the free ...
JoVE Logo

Privacy

Terms of Use

Policies

Research

Education

ABOUT JoVE

Copyright © 2024 MyJoVE Corporation. All rights reserved