Biochemistry

All the living organisms are composed of various types of inorganic and organic compounds. Many chemical reactions take place within a living body to sustain the life processes. Biochemistry is a branch of Chemistry, which deals with all the chemical changes taking place within a living body.

Biomolecules

A living body is composed of many complex organic compounds, called biomolecules. These biomolecules are lifeless substances and are formed within the living cells only.

Types of Biomolecules

The biomolecules are categorized as carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes, vitamins and hormones, lipids, nucleic acids and high energy compounds.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are compounds like sugar, starch cellulose etc.

Proteins

They are heavy molecules (high molecular mass) composed of amino acids. Proteins (Greek: proteios = prime importance) are present in almost all living cells of plants and animals.

Enzymes

Enzymes act as biological catalysts. Enzymes accelerate the biochemical reactions taking place within the cells.

Vitamins and Hormones

Vitamins are a group of biomolecules, which enhance the life processes in organisms. Hormones are organic substances which are produced in specific cells and glands and transferred to specific parts of the living body. There they trigger specific physiological processes.

Lipids

Fats and there derivatives form lipids. Lipids are important food storage compounds as well as important components of cell membranes.

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are biomolecules which are main components of chromosomes found in the nucleus of living cells. There are mainly two types of nucleic acids: DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (Ribonucleic acid).

High-Energy compounds

Another type of biomolecules are there, which are known as high-energy compounds (or energy-rich compounds or energy carriers). ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and ADP (adenosine diphosphate) are such compounds which are formed in plant cells of green plants during photosynthesis.