Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the study of the molecules, reactions and regulatory processes that sustain human life. In health sciences it connects cellular chemistry with physiology, nutrition, pathology, pharmacology and clinical laboratory interpretation.
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Biochemistry
Subject Summary
The public overview below follows the supplied PhysioVeda Academics subject summary.
Biochemistry is the study of the molecules, reactions and regulatory processes that sustain human life. In health sciences it connects cellular chemistry with physiology, nutrition, pathology, pharmacology and clinical laboratory interpretation.
The subject is organized here into 12 major areas: basic chemistry, proteins, enzymes, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, amino-acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, molecular biology, vitamins/minerals, nutrition, hormonal signaling and clinical biochemistry.
High-yield numerical facts are included where they are stable and examination-relevant, such as pH ranges, ATP yields, codon counts, enzyme classes and characteristic pathway outputs.
Laboratory reference intervals vary between methods and institutions. Clinical values in this document are approximate educational ranges and should not replace the reference range supplied by the testing laboratory.
The summaries are synthesized from multiple standard biochemistry texts rather than reproduced from any single source.
Key numbers and exam points to remember
Use these supplied values and key facts for quick whole-subject revision.
| Item | Number / key fact |
|---|---|
| Major topic blocks | 12 |
| Standard protein amino acids | 20 |
| Essential amino acids in adults | 9 |
| Modern EC enzyme classes | 7 |
| Genetic codons | 64 |
| Fat-soluble vitamins | 4: A, D, E, K |
| Energy: carbohydrate / protein / fat | 4 / 4 / 9 kcal per g |
| Normal arterial pH | 7.35-7.45 |
| Typical serum sodium | ~135-145 mmol/L; laboratory dependent |
| Preferred biomarker of myocardial injury | Cardiac troponin |
Core references
- Kennelly PJ, Botham KM, McGuinness OP, Rodwell VW, Weil PA. Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry. 33rd ed. McGraw Hill; 2026.
- Abali EE, Cline SD, Franklin DS, Viselli SM. Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry. 9th ed. Wolters Kluwer; 2025.
- Nelson DL, Cox MM, Hoskins AA. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. 8th ed. W.H. Freeman/Macmillan Learning; 2021.
- Rifai N, ed. Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2023.
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