An Introduction to Biochemistry: On-Demand Online Course

What are the fundamental building blocks for all life on earth? In this tutorial, students are introduced to the four molecules that perform the tasks that keep us alive – protein, carbohydrate, nucleic acid and lipid. Taking a holistic viewpoint, we discuss the basic structures found in biochemistry before concluding with a look at metabolism and molecular pathways.

This tutorial focuses on proteins, the building blocks of the physical body. We begin by looking at amino acids, their structure and function, before moving on to discuss protein synthesis, protein folding, and the consequences of protein misfolding. We briefly consider the structure and function of muscles before finishing with an examination of the role and importance of enzymes in biochemical reactions.

In this third tutorial, we will be looking at nucleic acids and metabolic networks, and will start to uncover how the reactions that occur in cells are controlled. We begin by examining DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), its structure and function, before moving on to consider RNA (ribonucleic acid) and its role in synthesising proteins and controlling gene output. Finally, we turn to regulatory networks, feedback loops, and the importance of gene operation.

This final tutorial looks in greater depth at the structures and functions of lipids and carbohydrates, two of the molecules introduced in Tutorial I. We begin by discussing lipids, their various structures and functions, before turning to carbohydrates, the main fuel of the body. We finish by examining some of the different kinds of carbohydrates found in the human body and their importance in performing a wide range of roles, from energy storage to armour and protection.