Biochemistry is one of the basic subjects of life sciences that explain the chemical and molecular basis of life. In the list of most noble professions, medical sciences and the food security are at the top of the list. These professionals, along with many other experts of the life sciences are trained in biochemistry as a fundamental and compulsory subject. Because it lays the foundations on which the giants of life sciences, like medicine, diagnosis, food, agriculture, industry etc. are standing.The current course is an introduction to the cellular components and the basic biomolecules, like vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids and their constituents. The students learn about the chemical structure and the biological functions of these “the most important” compounds on our earth. The subject is all about the arrangement of atoms and molecules and the physical and chemical interactions among these molecules to perpetuate life. An introduction to disease mechanism and drug design is also included in the course.

BOOKS & READINGS

1. Lehninger’s Principles of Biochemistry
2. Biochemistry by Voet and Voet
3. Fudamentals of Biochemistry by J.L. Jain
4. Stryer’s Biochemistry
5. Harper’s Biochemistry

CONTENTS

1. Introduction to biochemistry and its importance, including the  scope and applications of the subject.
2. Introduction to cell, structure and functions of cellular components and various foundations of cell.
3. Introduction to proteins; Chemical structure, molecular interactions and the biological functions of amino acids, peptides and proteins.
4. Enzymes; Introduction to active sites, substrate specificity, classification and catalysis.
5. Introduction to Carbohydrates; Chemical structure, molecular interactions and the biological functions of mono-, oligo- and polysachharides.
6. Introduction to Lipids; Chemical structure, molecular interactions and the biological functions of fatty acids, storage lipids, membrane lipids, isoprenoids, eicosanoids and steroidal hormones.
7. Introduction to Nucleic Acids; Chemical structure, molecular interactions and the biological functions of nucleotides, DNA and RNA.
8. Introduction to Vitamins; Chemical structure, sources, deficiency diseases and the biological functions of water soluble and fat soluble vitamins.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Sessional Marks: 15

Oral Presentation: 8

Attendance & Class Participation:  4

Class Quiz: 3

Mid-term Exam: 15

Final Term Exam: 45

Practical Exam: 25

RULES & REGULATIONS

75 % attendance is compulsory, more than 85% will give the student 2, more than 90% 3 and more than 95% will give 4 marks in the sessional marks.