Biochemistry

This episode introduces biochemistry, the branch of science at the intersection of chemistry and biology that explores the chemical processes occurring in living organisms. Listeners will learn about the main biomolecules—carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids—and their roles in sustaining life. By connecting concepts from chemistry to biology, this episode sets the stage for a deeper dive into metabolism, enzymes, and processes like DNA replication in upcoming episodes.

Check your understanding

These are the same multiple-choice questions you will see in the Quiz section after you listen to the episode. Use them here to preview or review the answers.

What does biochemistry study?

  1. The chemical processes in living organisms.
  2. The properties of inorganic compounds.
  3. The synthesis of industrial chemicals.
  4. The physics of living systems.

Which of the following is a function of carbohydrates?

  1. Providing energy.
  2. Storing genetic information.
  3. Forming cell membranes.
  4. Catalyzing biochemical reactions.

What role do nucleic acids play in biochemistry?

  1. Energy storage.
  2. Transporting molecules.
  3. Storing and transmitting genetic information.
  4. Forming cell walls.

Which process is an example of catabolism?

  1. Protein synthesis.
  2. DNA replication.
  3. Glycolysis.
  4. Fat storage.

What is a common application of biochemistry in medicine?

  1. Developing drugs that target biomolecules.
  2. Enhancing crop yields.
  3. Cleaning pollutants using microbes.
  4. Studying cosmic phenomena.

Suggested next

Related episodes that are a natural follow-on.

  • Lipid

    In this episode of *Biochemistry*, we focus on lipids, an essential class of biomolecules. Lipids include fats, oils, and cholesterol, and they play key roles in energy storage, cell structure, and signaling. You’ll learn about their chemical structu… In this episode of *Biochemistry*, we focus on lipids, an essential class of biomolecules. Lipids include fats, oils, and cholesterol, and they play key roles in energy storage, cell structure, and signaling. You’ll learn about their chemical structure, types, and biological importance. Building on previous discussions of carbohydrates and proteins, this episode sets the stage for exploring nucleic acids and enzymes in subsequent episodes. Ideal for expanding your knowledge of biochemistry while staying active!

  • Biology

    Welcome to the first episode of the Introduction and Basics of Biology course. This episode provides an overview of what biology is, its significance, and how it connects to the world around us. Learners will explore the defining characteristics of l… Welcome to the first episode of the Introduction and Basics of Biology course. This episode provides an overview of what biology is, its significance, and how it connects to the world around us. Learners will explore the defining characteristics of life, understand the hierarchical organization of living systems, and grasp the importance of biology in everyday life. By the end of this episode, you'll have a strong foundation to build upon as you delve deeper into biological concepts throughout the course.

  • Enzyme

    In this episode, we dive into enzymes, the biological catalysts that drive almost every chemical reaction in living organisms. Discover their structure, function, and importance in processes like digestion, energy production, and cellular repair. Thi… In this episode, we dive into enzymes, the biological catalysts that drive almost every chemical reaction in living organisms. Discover their structure, function, and importance in processes like digestion, energy production, and cellular repair. This foundational episode introduces key concepts in physiology and biochemistry, setting the stage for deeper exploration of hormones, metabolic pathways, and energy systems in upcoming episodes.

  • Cell theory

    Welcome to the Cell Biology course! This first episode lays the groundwork by exploring the Cell Theory, a cornerstone concept that revolutionized our understanding of life. Discover the historical journey, from Robert Hooke's first glimpse of "cells… Welcome to the Cell Biology course! This first episode lays the groundwork by exploring the Cell Theory, a cornerstone concept that revolutionized our understanding of life. Discover the historical journey, from Robert Hooke's first glimpse of "cells" in cork to the crucial contributions of Schleiden, Schwann, and Virchow. We'll break down the three fundamental tenets of classical cell theory: all organisms are made of cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and all cells come from pre-existing cells. Learn why this theory is so vital and how it forms the basis for studying the diverse world of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and their intricate components in subsequent episodes.

  • Carbohydrate

    In this episode, we explore carbohydrates, one of the essential biomolecules that provide energy and structural support in living organisms. You'll learn about their classification, structure, and biological roles, as well as their importance in ener… In this episode, we explore carbohydrates, one of the essential biomolecules that provide energy and structural support in living organisms. You'll learn about their classification, structure, and biological roles, as well as their importance in energy metabolism. Building on the fundamentals of biochemistry, this episode sets the stage for understanding other biomolecules like proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids in upcoming discussions.

Often studied before

Episodes that tend to come earlier on similar paths.

  • Chemistry

    *Welcome to the first episode of Introduction and Basics of Chemistry! This episode introduces the fundamental science of chemistry. We'll define what chemistry is, exploring its vast scope and why it's often called the 'central science' due to its c… *Welcome to the first episode of Introduction and Basics of Chemistry! This episode introduces the fundamental science of chemistry. We'll define what chemistry is, exploring its vast scope and why it's often called the 'central science' due to its connections with physics, biology, geology, and more. We will briefly trace its historical roots from ancient practices to the modern scientific discipline it is today. You'll get an overview of the major branches within chemistry, such as organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, and biochemistry, showcasing the diverse areas chemists explore. Finally, we highlight the crucial role chemistry plays in our daily lives and in addressing global challenges, setting the foundation for upcoming episodes.*

  • Chemical equation

    Welcome to the final episode of our Introduction and Basics of Chemistry course: **Chemical Equations**. Building on our knowledge of *chemical reactions*, *elements*, *compounds*, and *chemical formulas*, this episode introduces the symbolic languag… Welcome to the final episode of our Introduction and Basics of Chemistry course: **Chemical Equations**. Building on our knowledge of *chemical reactions*, *elements*, *compounds*, and *chemical formulas*, this episode introduces the symbolic language chemists use to describe chemical changes. You'll learn how chemical equations represent reactants transforming into products, incorporating physical states. We'll explore the crucial principle of the *law of conservation of mass* and why equations must be 'balanced' to reflect it. Discover how to interpret these equations to understand the quantitative relationships (stoichiometry) between substances involved in a *chemical reaction*. This episode provides the tools to read and understand the fundamental recipes of *chemistry*.

  • Protein

    In this episode of the 'Biochemistry' course, we dive into proteins, essential biomolecules responsible for countless functions in living organisms. You'll learn about the structure of proteins, their building blocks—amino acids—and the levels of pro… In this episode of the 'Biochemistry' course, we dive into proteins, essential biomolecules responsible for countless functions in living organisms. You'll learn about the structure of proteins, their building blocks—amino acids—and the levels of protein organization. We’ll explore their diverse roles, from enzymes catalyzing reactions to structural proteins providing support. Real-world examples, such as hemoglobin and collagen, will bring these concepts to life. This episode lays the groundwork for understanding more complex biochemical topics, like enzymes and metabolism, in subsequent episodes.

  • Compound

    In this episode, we explore chemical compounds—what they are, how they differ from elements, and their importance in chemistry. You’ll learn about their formation, types, and examples, alongside a look at the role of bonds in creating compounds. This… In this episode, we explore chemical compounds—what they are, how they differ from elements, and their importance in chemistry. You’ll learn about their formation, types, and examples, alongside a look at the role of bonds in creating compounds. This episode builds on previous discussions of atoms, elements, and molecules to deepen your understanding of how substances are structured and interact. It prepares you for future episodes on chemical reactions, bonds, and formulas. Perfect for jogging or a walk, this episode turns chemistry into an engaging story of connections!

  • Enzyme kinetics

    Welcome to the fifth episode of our Chemical Kinetics course. Building upon our knowledge of catalysts, we now dive into the specialized world of **Enzyme Kinetics**. This episode explores enzymes, nature's highly efficient and specific biological ca… Welcome to the fifth episode of our Chemical Kinetics course. Building upon our knowledge of catalysts, we now dive into the specialized world of **Enzyme Kinetics**. This episode explores enzymes, nature's highly efficient and specific biological catalysts. We will examine the fundamental interaction between an enzyme and its substrate at the active site, leading to the formation of an enzyme-substrate complex. You will learn about the concept of enzyme saturation and how it leads to a maximum reaction velocity, Vmax. We will introduce the cornerstone Michaelis-Menten model and demystify its key parameters, Vmax and the Michaelis constant (KM), which describe an enzyme's efficiency and affinity for its substrate.