Biochemistry combines the study of chemistry with that of biology to study the metabolic pathways of organisms at the cellular level. In addition to the study of these phenomena that develop in plants and microorganisms, biochemistry is also an experimental science that abundantly exploits the availability of specific instrumentation for this discipline. It is a very broad subject, but basic concepts are explained at the beginning of any course.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Identifying the Elementary Concepts
Step 1. Memorize the structure of amino acids
These molecules are the "building blocks" that make up all proteins. In studying biochemistry, it is essential to memorize the structure and properties of all 20 essential amino acids. Learn one- and three-letter abbreviations to quickly recognize them as you study them.
- Study them in five groups of four molecules.
- Memorize essential properties, such as acidity (negative charge) versus basicity (positive charge) and polarity versus hydrophobicity.
- Draw their structure over and over until you have internalized it. Fortunately, amino acids have similar structures. Each of them contains a basic amino group (-NH2), an acid carboxylic group (-COOH) and a hydrogen group (-H). They differ according to the organic R group (or side chain), which determines their function and is unique to each amino acid.
Step 2. Recognize protein structures
These substances are composed of chains of amino acids. Recognizing the various levels of structures and being able to draw the most important ones (such as the alpha helix and the beta sheet) are fundamental skills for any student of biochemistry. There are four levels:
- Primary structure: it is a linear arrangement of amino acids; they are held together by peptide bonds in a polypeptide chain.
- Secondary structure: refers to the sections of proteins in which the amino acid chain folds into alpha helices or beta sheets, as a result of hydrogen bonding.
- Tertiary structure: it is a three-dimensional composition that results from the interaction between amino acids, usually caused by disulfide bonds, hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. It is the physiological form that the protein takes and which is still unknown for many proteins.
- Quaternary structure: it is the result of the interaction of several separate proteins that form a single larger protein. They often contain subunits and are globular.
Step 3. Understand the pH scale
The pH of a solution measures the level of acidity and is related to the amount of hydrogen and hydroxide ions present in the solution itself. When it contains more hydrogen ions and fewer hydroxides it is called acidic; vice versa, it is considered basic.
- Acids release hydrogen ions (H.+) and have a pH <7;
- The bases receive hydrogen ions (H.+) and have a pH> 7.
Step 4. Define the pKto of a solution.
The Kto is the dissociation constant of a solution and expresses the ease with which an acid yields hydrogen ions. It is defined by the equation: K.to = [H+][TO-]/[HAS]. The Kto most of the solutions are reported in the tables of textbooks or are available online. The pKto is defined as the negative logarithm of K.to.
Strong acids dissociate completely and have a pKto very low, the weak ones dissociate incompletely and have a pKto higher.
Step 5. Connect the pH and pKto using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation.
It is used to prepare swabs for solutions during laboratory experiments. The equation states that: pH = pKto + log [base] / [acid]. The pKto of a solution is equal to the pH of the same when the concentration of the acid is equal to that of the base.
A buffer is a solution that resists the pH changes triggered by small additions of acids or bases and is very important to keep the pH of the solutions used stable. It is also important in biological systems, such as maintaining a pH of 7.4 in the human body
Step 6. Recognize the covalent and ionic bonds
The ionic bond is formed when one or more electrons are released by one atom and accepted by another; the positive and negative ions resulting from this passage of electrons attract each other. The covalent bond is formed when two atoms share electron pairs.
- The other forces, such as the hydrogen bond (the forces of attraction that develop between hydrogen atoms and very electronegative molecules), are equally important.
- The type of bond formed between the atoms determines some properties of the molecules.
Step 7. Study enzymes
It is an important class of proteins that the body uses to catalyze (accelerate) biochemical reactions. Almost all biochemical reactions in the body are catalyzed by a specific enzyme; consequently, the study of these proteins and their mechanisms of action is the main topic of this matter. Generally, the analysis proceeds from the kinetic point of view.
- Enzyme inhibition is used to treat many diseases through drugs.
- The enzymes are neither modified nor exhausted in the reactions, so it is possible to carry out several cycles of catalysis.
Part 2 of 3: Learning the metabolic pathways by heart
Step 1. Read and study the graphic diagrams of the routes
There are a number of essential processes that you need to know by heart when studying biochemistry: glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, Krebs cycle (or citric acid cycle), electron transport chain, and photosynthesis, to name a few.
- Read the textbook chapters that are associated with these graphic patterns and learn the details of the paths.
- It is very likely that you will need to demonstrate that you are able to create a graphical representation of such a process during an exam.
Step 2. Study the routes individually
If you try to learn them all together, you confuse them and you will not be able to internalize their concepts; focus on memorizing one at a time and review it for several days before moving on to the next.
- When you master all the mechanics of a process, don't "lose it"; go over it and draw it often to remember it.
- Take online quizzes or ask a friend to question you to keep your memory fresh.
Step 3. Draw the base of the path
When you start studying it, you must first learn its structure; some are continuous cycles (such as that of citric acid), while others are linear (glycolysis). Start studying by memorizing the shape of a path, its principle, what it breaks down and synthesizes.
For each cycle you have molecules, such as NADH, ADP, and glucose, and end products, such as ATP and glycogen. Start with these fundamentals
Step 4. Add the cofactors and metabolites
Now you can go into specifics; metabolites are intermediate molecules that are formed during the process, but which are used as the reaction continues; there are also cofactors that serve to trigger or accelerate the reaction.
Avoid memorizing "parrot" processes. It internalizes how each intermediate product transforms into the next in order to understand the process instead of relying on pure memory
Step 5. Enter the necessary enzymes
The final step in memorizing the biochemical pathways is the study of the enzymes, which are essential to keep the reaction going. Studying these processes in blocks facilitates the task, which becomes even less overwhelming; once you have learned all the names of the enzymes, you have finished the entire journey.
- At this point, you should be able to quickly write down each protein, metabolite, and molecule that is involved in the path.
- Make sure you know which steps in the process are irreversible and why (if applicable).
Step 6. Review often
This type of concept has to be "refreshed" and drawn many times, on a weekly basis, otherwise you risk forgetting it. Take some time each day to review a different path; at the end of the week you have studied them all and you can start over during the next one.
When the date for a test approaches, you don't have to worry about studying all the paths in one night because you already have them memorized
Part 3 of 3: Studying the Basics
Step 1. Read the textbook
Reading the chapters related to each lesson is essential to study the subject; before going to class, read and review the material for the day. Take notes as you study to prepare for the teacher's explanation.
- Check that you understand the text; at the end of each section make a summary of the topics.
- Try to answer a few questions at the end of the chapter to make sure you understand the concepts.
Step 2. Study the images
Those reported in the textbook are very detailed and help you visualize the elements described; it is often much easier to understand the material by looking at a picture than to read the words.
Redraw important ones in your notes and study them later
Step 3. Use a color code when taking notes
In biochemistry, there are many complicated processes. Develop and use a coding system to write notes; for example, you can define the difficulty level with colors by using one hue for very difficult concepts and another for those that are easy to understand and remember.
- Choose an effective method for you; don't just copy your peers' notes and hope it will help you be a better student.
- Do not overdo it. If you write in too many different colors, your notebook will look like a rainbow and is not useful at all.
Step 4. Ask yourself questions
As you read the textbook, write down a few questions about the statements or concepts that seem confusing to you. Ask these questions again in class and don't be afraid to raise your hand; if in doubt, it is very likely that your teammates are in the same situation.
Talk to the teacher to discuss questions that have not been answered in class
Step 5. Make flashcards
There are many specific terms in biochemistry that you may never have heard before. By learning their meaning at the beginning of the course, you can better understand the information that revolves around those words.
- Write paper or digital flashcards that you can use in a smartphone.
- Whenever you have some free time, take it and review it.
Advice
- Biochemistry focuses on a finite number of reactions that are used over and over again.
- The goal is to understand concepts rather than to memorize information.
- Always try to relate specific features to the big picture and connect topics with each other.
