Biochemistry Lecture Notes & Labs
Find information on biochemical processes. This section includes lecture notes, reaction summaries, molecular structures, databases, research projects, laboratory exercises, and detailed descriptions of biochemistry concepts.
Elements in the Human Body
Find out what elements are in the human body and what these elements do.
Find out what elements are in the human body and what these elements do.
Alkane Nomenclature and Numbering
Alkanes are fully saturated hydrocarbons. They are among the first molecules encountered in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry. Learn how to name straight-chain, branched, and cyclic alkanes and how to number them.
Alkanes are fully saturated hydrocarbons. They are among the first molecules encountered in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry. Learn how to name straight-chain, branched, and cyclic alkanes and how to number them.
Amino Acid Chirality
This is an introduction to stereoisomerism of amino acids, with Fisher projections and stereorepre0entations of serine used as an example. There are links to learn more about amino acids and about chirality of other molecules.
This is an introduction to stereoisomerism of amino acids, with Fisher projections and stereorepre0entations of serine used as an example. There are links to learn more about amino acids and about chirality of other molecules.
Amino Acid Hangman Game
This hangman game makes a great quiz to make sure you know how to spell the names of the amino acids and to reinforce your knowledge of whether they have polar, nonpolar, or charged side chains.
This hangman game makes a great quiz to make sure you know how to spell the names of the amino acids and to reinforce your knowledge of whether they have polar, nonpolar, or charged side chains.
Amino Acid Structures
These are the structures for the twenty natural amino acids, plus the general structure for an amino acid.
These are the structures for the twenty natural amino acids, plus the general structure for an amino acid.
Amino Acids
Your Guide presents the names, three-letter abbreviations, one-letter abbreviations, and molecular structures for the twenty protein-derived amino acids. The amino acids are grouped according to whether they have side chains that are nonpolar, polar and uncharged, or polar and charged. Links are provided for other amino acid classification systems and characteristics.
Your Guide presents the names, three-letter abbreviations, one-letter abbreviations, and molecular structures for the twenty protein-derived amino acids. The amino acids are grouped according to whether they have side chains that are nonpolar, polar and uncharged, or polar and charged. Links are provided for other amino acid classification systems and characteristics.
Anabolic Steroids
Learn what anabolic steroids are, how they can enhance athletic performance, and what risks are associated with using performance enhancing drugs.
Learn what anabolic steroids are, how they can enhance athletic performance, and what risks are associated with using performance enhancing drugs.
BHA and BHT
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are added to many foods to prevent fat spoilage. This article describes what BHA and BHT are, what they do, and how they do it. There is a fairly lengthy list of references because there is controversy over the health effects of BHA, BHT, and other additives.
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are added to many foods to prevent fat spoilage. This article describes what BHA and BHT are, what they do, and how they do it. There is a fairly lengthy list of references because there is controversy over the health effects of BHA, BHT, and other additives.
Biochemistry of Lycopene
Lycopene is the red pigment in tomatoes and several fruits. Find out more about how this antioxidant protects against cancer and heart disease.
Lycopene is the red pigment in tomatoes and several fruits. Find out more about how this antioxidant protects against cancer and heart disease.
Biodiesel from Vegetable Oil Tutorial
As the price of diesel continues to climb, you may wish to consider making your own diesel from cooking oil, called biodiesel. It's easy and could save you money.
As the price of diesel continues to climb, you may wish to consider making your own diesel from cooking oil, called biodiesel. It's easy and could save you money.
Caffeine Chemistry
Learn about the chemical and biological properties of caffeine, the methylxanthine stimulant found in coffee and other foods.
Learn about the chemical and biological properties of caffeine, the methylxanthine stimulant found in coffee and other foods.
Can You Drink Too Much Water?
It's important to drink plenty of fluids, but can you overdo it? Learn the truth about water intoxication and hyponatremia.
It's important to drink plenty of fluids, but can you overdo it? Learn the truth about water intoxication and hyponatremia.
Carbon Cycle
Carbon is an element that is essential for life. The carbon cycle describes the storage and exchange of carbon between the Earth's biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.
Carbon is an element that is essential for life. The carbon cycle describes the storage and exchange of carbon between the Earth's biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.
10 Carbon Facts
Learn some interesting facts about carbon, the element that is the basis for organic chemistry.
Learn some interesting facts about carbon, the element that is the basis for organic chemistry.
Citric Acid Cycle
The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, is a series of chemical reactions in the cell that breaks down food molecules into carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, is a series of chemical reactions in the cell that breaks down food molecules into carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
Does Eating Turkey Make You Sleepy?
Find out why everyone wants to take a nap after Thanksgiving Day turkey dinner. Let's talk turkey and learn about L-tryptophan and carbohydrate metabolism.
Find out why everyone wants to take a nap after Thanksgiving Day turkey dinner. Let's talk turkey and learn about L-tryptophan and carbohydrate metabolism.
Drugs from Plants
This is a table listing many of the pharmaceuticals that are derived from plants, including the names of the drugs, their actions, plant sources, and the common names of the plants.
This is a table listing many of the pharmaceuticals that are derived from plants, including the names of the drugs, their actions, plant sources, and the common names of the plants.
Food Chemistry Quiz
Do you know about the chemistry of food? Test your knowledge with this fun and quick ten-question multiple choice quiz.
Do you know about the chemistry of food? Test your knowledge with this fun and quick ten-question multiple choice quiz.
Glycolysis
Glycolysis is the name given to the series of biochemical reactions in which glucose is converted into pyruvate. This important part of carbohydrate catabolism takes place in the cytoplasm of cells. Several reactions take place, with products that are vital to the functioning of the cell.
Glycolysis is the name given to the series of biochemical reactions in which glucose is converted into pyruvate. This important part of carbohydrate catabolism takes place in the cytoplasm of cells. Several reactions take place, with products that are vital to the functioning of the cell.
Hair Color Chemistry
Over 75% of women and a growing percentage of men color their hair. Learn about natural haircolor and find out what happens when you bleach hair or use temporary or permanent haircolor.
Over 75% of women and a growing percentage of men color their hair. Learn about natural haircolor and find out what happens when you bleach hair or use temporary or permanent haircolor.
Is There Really a Chemistry of Love?
Sweaty palms and a pounding heart don't just happen! It takes complex biochemistry to give you the symptoms of being in love. And lust. And security. Chemistry may even play a role in falling out-of-love. Get some of the details here, with links for further study.
Sweaty palms and a pounding heart don't just happen! It takes complex biochemistry to give you the symptoms of being in love. And lust. And security. Chemistry may even play a role in falling out-of-love. Get some of the details here, with links for further study.
Luminol Chemiluminescence Test for Blood
You can use the luminol chemiluminescence reaction as a quick and easy forensic test for blood. Here's a look at what you need to perform the test, how to do it, and an explanation of how the luminol test works.
You can use the luminol chemiluminescence reaction as a quick and easy forensic test for blood. Here's a look at what you need to perform the test, how to do it, and an explanation of how the luminol test works.
Nepetalactone Chemistry
Nepetalactone is the terpene found in catnip that makes some cats crazy, humans relaxed, and cockroaches repelled. This article looks at the chemistry of nepetalactone and its effects on humans, cats, and insects.
Nepetalactone is the terpene found in catnip that makes some cats crazy, humans relaxed, and cockroaches repelled. This article looks at the chemistry of nepetalactone and its effects on humans, cats, and insects.
Nitrogen Cycle
Learn about the processes involved in the nitrogen cycle, the biochemical cycle that describes the transformations of nitrogen as it goes through nature.
Learn about the processes involved in the nitrogen cycle, the biochemical cycle that describes the transformations of nitrogen as it goes through nature.
Photosynthesis Basics - Study Guide
Photosynthesis is the name for the set of chemical reactions used by plants and other organisms to make food from sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water. Here's a look at the process and study questions to help make sure you understand the key concepts.
Photosynthesis is the name for the set of chemical reactions used by plants and other organisms to make food from sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water. Here's a look at the process and study questions to help make sure you understand the key concepts.
Protein and Polypeptide Structure
This article describes the four levels of protein and polypeptide structure, with examples and links for additional reading.
This article describes the four levels of protein and polypeptide structure, with examples and links for additional reading.
Ricin and RCA - Castor Bean Toxins
Learn about ricin and RCA, the two potent toxins from the castor bean plant. Information is provided about the action, symptoms, and treatment of ricin and RCA poisoning.
Learn about ricin and RCA, the two potent toxins from the castor bean plant. Information is provided about the action, symptoms, and treatment of ricin and RCA poisoning.
Tattoo Ink Chemistry
Tattoo inks aren't regulated by the US FDA, so what you don't know can hurt you. This 3-part article examines the pigments, carriers, and other chemistry-related issues concerning tattoo inks and their toxicity. Instructions for making your own tattoo ink are provided.
Tattoo inks aren't regulated by the US FDA, so what you don't know can hurt you. This 3-part article examines the pigments, carriers, and other chemistry-related issues concerning tattoo inks and their toxicity. Instructions for making your own tattoo ink are provided.
Theobromine Chemistry
The primary methylxanthine in chocolate is theobromine, a molecule similar to caffeine. See the structure of theobromine and read about its chemistry, effects on people and animals, and uses. There are links to chocolate history and chemical research, veterinary advice for theobromine poisoning, and related resources.
The primary methylxanthine in chocolate is theobromine, a molecule similar to caffeine. See the structure of theobromine and read about its chemistry, effects on people and animals, and uses. There are links to chocolate history and chemical research, veterinary advice for theobromine poisoning, and related resources.
Translation
Learn about the process of translation, in which the genetic code of mRNA is used to produce amino acids that will ultimately become proteins.
Learn about the process of translation, in which the genetic code of mRNA is used to produce amino acids that will ultimately become proteins.
What Are the Elements in the Human Body?
Do you know the chemical composition of the human body? Here's the list of elements, given in percentage according to weight.
Do you know the chemical composition of the human body? Here's the list of elements, given in percentage according to weight.
What Causes Rigor Mortis?
Dead bodies are sometimes referred to as 'stiffs' for a reason! Learn what rigor mortis is and find out why it happens.
Dead bodies are sometimes referred to as 'stiffs' for a reason! Learn what rigor mortis is and find out why it happens.
What Is the Volume & Chemical Composition of Blood?
Do you know how many liters of blood are in your body? How about what's in your blood? Let's learn about the chemistry of human blood.
Do you know how many liters of blood are in your body? How about what's in your blood? Let's learn about the chemistry of human blood.
Why Are Babies Born with Blue Eyes?
Do you know the answer? It's a matter of chemistry as much as biology. I've included other factoids about eye color, including some that may surprise you.
Do you know the answer? It's a matter of chemistry as much as biology. I've included other factoids about eye color, including some that may surprise you.
Why the Flu Vaccine Doesn't Work
A new study conducted by the CDC indicates that getting the flu vaccine doesn't protect you against cold, flu-like illness, or even the flu. Surprised? Here are some reasons why the vaccine may not work.
A new study conducted by the CDC indicates that getting the flu vaccine doesn't protect you against cold, flu-like illness, or even the flu. Surprised? Here are some reasons why the vaccine may not work.
Access Excellence
Molecular biology clip art from Genentech – a leader in the biotech field.
Molecular biology clip art from Genentech – a leader in the biotech field.
Beginning Biochemistry
Background information pertains to enzyme reactions. From Worthington Biochemical Corporation.
Background information pertains to enzyme reactions. From Worthington Biochemical Corporation.
Biochemistry Experiments
Insights and apparatus for advanced undergraduate labs.
Insights and apparatus for advanced undergraduate labs.
Biochemistry
These are some of the laboratory exercises used by Barry Ganong. He also provides a brief review of some published biochemistry laboratory manuals.
These are some of the laboratory exercises used by Barry Ganong. He also provides a brief review of some published biochemistry laboratory manuals.
Biochemistry I Lecture Notes
These PDF downloadable lecture notes were last revised 1999, but the printable aspect makes them worth including. The notes are from Wilbur H. Campbell from Michigan Tech.
These PDF downloadable lecture notes were last revised 1999, but the printable aspect makes them worth including. The notes are from Wilbur H. Campbell from Michigan Tech.
Biology 4
Topics include atomic bonding and enzymology. From Brooklyn College, City University of New York.
Topics include atomic bonding and enzymology. From Brooklyn College, City University of New York.
Biology Workbench
This is San Diego Supercomputer Center's web-based tool for searching protein and nucleic acid sequence databases. Database searching is integrated with analysis and modeling tools to eliminate file format compatibility problems.
This is San Diego Supercomputer Center's web-based tool for searching protein and nucleic acid sequence databases. Database searching is integrated with analysis and modeling tools to eliminate file format compatibility problems.
BioMagResBank
NMR data on nucleic acids, peptides, and proteins. From the University of Wisconsin at Madison.
NMR data on nucleic acids, peptides, and proteins. From the University of Wisconsin at Madison.
Biotech's Graphics Gallery
These are labeled diagrams which summarize processes of importance to biotechnology. The list of processes is quite comprehensive.
These are labeled diagrams which summarize processes of importance to biotechnology. The list of processes is quite comprehensive.
CATH Protein Structure Classification
Explore protein Class, Architecture, Topology and Homologous superfamily. From University College London.
Explore protein Class, Architecture, Topology and Homologous superfamily. From University College London.
Center for Molecular Modeling
Tutorials and databases of macromolecular structure and dynamics. From US National Institutes of Health.
Tutorials and databases of macromolecular structure and dynamics. From US National Institutes of Health.
Cleavage and Deprotection of Peptide Resins
Alternatives to using hydrogen fluoride in the Merrifield synthesis of peptides. From John L. Hughes and Eric J. Leopold.
Alternatives to using hydrogen fluoride in the Merrifield synthesis of peptides. From John L. Hughes and Eric J. Leopold.
Computational Molecular Biology at NIH
Nucleic acid and protein sequence analysis tools and software. From the US National Institutes of Health.
Nucleic acid and protein sequence analysis tools and software. From the US National Institutes of Health.
Database of Macromolecular Movements
Molecular motions: view them or create your own. From Mark Gerstein, Yale University.
Molecular motions: view them or create your own. From Mark Gerstein, Yale University.
Enzyme Structures Database
Collection of enzyme structure entries in the Brookhaven Protein Data Bank. From University College London.
Collection of enzyme structure entries in the Brookhaven Protein Data Bank. From University College London.
ExPASy Molecular Biology Server
Proteomics gateway to protein and enzyme databases, homology searches, and structural predictions. From the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics.
Proteomics gateway to protein and enzyme databases, homology searches, and structural predictions. From the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics.
Freie Universität Berlin
2-D and 3-D models of the amino acids.
2-D and 3-D models of the amino acids.
General, Organic, and Biochemistry
Lecture slides with brief summations.
Lecture slides with brief summations.
Human Genome Resources
Click on a chromosome to find its associated genes and DNA sequences. From the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Click on a chromosome to find its associated genes and DNA sequences. From the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Image Library of Biological Macromolecules
Protein and nucleic acid components, structures, and their conformations. Also, search for PDB protein and nucleic acid entries. From Institut für Molekulare Biotechnologie, Jena, Germany.
Protein and nucleic acid components, structures, and their conformations. Also, search for PDB protein and nucleic acid entries. From Institut für Molekulare Biotechnologie, Jena, Germany.
Introduction to Biochemistry
Well-characterized experiments from Mansfield University.
Well-characterized experiments from Mansfield University.
Introduction to Enzymes
This site was prepared by Worthington Biochemical Corporation as a practical introduction to enzymology. References are provided.
This site was prepared by Worthington Biochemical Corporation as a practical introduction to enzymology. References are provided.
Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes
Search for biological compounds, enzymes, metabolic pathways, and chromosomes. From Kyoto University.
Search for biological compounds, enzymes, metabolic pathways, and chromosomes. From Kyoto University.
Large Molecules Problem Set
Study biological molecules in a question and answer format. From the University of Arizona.
Study biological molecules in a question and answer format. From the University of Arizona.
Medical Biochemistry
Very complete and impressive online text provided by Indiana University School of Medicine.
Very complete and impressive online text provided by Indiana University School of Medicine.
Metabolism Problem Set
Quizzes with answers from the University of Arizona.
Quizzes with answers from the University of Arizona.
Metalloprotein Database and Browser
Evaluations of protein/metal interactions. From Jesus M. Castagnetto, Scripps Research Institute.
Evaluations of protein/metal interactions. From Jesus M. Castagnetto, Scripps Research Institute.
Molecular Animations of Large Molecules
AVI files showing animations of macromolecules such as hemoglobin, DNA-binding proteins, and a variety of enzymes. From the University of Leeds.
AVI files showing animations of macromolecules such as hemoglobin, DNA-binding proteins, and a variety of enzymes. From the University of Leeds.
Molecular Conformations in Biological Molecules
Structures of protein molecules. From Robert M. Hanson, St. Olaf College.
Structures of protein molecules. From Robert M. Hanson, St. Olaf College.
Molecules R US
Searches PDB (Protein Data Bank) and gives graphical output of desired protein. Ribbons-Image provides adequate output for most browsers. From the US National Institutes of Health.
Searches PDB (Protein Data Bank) and gives graphical output of desired protein. Ribbons-Image provides adequate output for most browsers. From the US National Institutes of Health.
NetBiochem
A complete downloadable course containing text, graphics, and animation for medical biochemistry instructors.
A complete downloadable course containing text, graphics, and animation for medical biochemistry instructors.
Online Macromolecular Museum
Visualization of structures requires Chime plug-in. From California Lutheran University.
Visualization of structures requires Chime plug-in. From California Lutheran University.
Organic and Biochemistry Lab Exercises
Appealing experiments from Mansfield University.
Appealing experiments from Mansfield University.
Perfumery and the Sixth Sense
Clive Jennings-White's article describes the function of the human vomeronasal organ in detecting pheromones.
Clive Jennings-White's article describes the function of the human vomeronasal organ in detecting pheromones.
Polymer Metabolism
Lecture notes by Hung Lee, University of Guelph, from his course in Microbial Processes in Environmental Management.
Lecture notes by Hung Lee, University of Guelph, from his course in Microbial Processes in Environmental Management.
Principles of Protein Structure Using the Internet
Requires paid subscription. Some free course work available. From Birkbeck College, University of London.
Requires paid subscription. Some free course work available. From Birkbeck College, University of London.
PRINTS - Protein Motif Fingerprint Database
Search for recurrent structural motifs in your protein of interest. From University College London.
Search for recurrent structural motifs in your protein of interest. From University College London.
PROWL
Protein mass spectrometry analysis site. Includes chemical properties of amino acids and peptides, and ability to search protein databases. From Rockefeller University.
Protein mass spectrometry analysis site. Includes chemical properties of amino acids and peptides, and ability to search protein databases. From Rockefeller University.
RCSB Protein Data Bank
Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics archives protein structure data generated from X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance.
Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics archives protein structure data generated from X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance.
SCOP - Structural Classification of Proteins
Discerning evolutionary relationships of protein by similarities in their structures. From Cambridge University.
Discerning evolutionary relationships of protein by similarities in their structures. From Cambridge University.
Sequence Retrieval System
Browses protein and nucleotide databases available at EMBL-EBI, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK.
Browses protein and nucleotide databases available at EMBL-EBI, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK.
Symbolism and Terminology in Enzyme Kinetics
Recommended definitions, terms, and symbols used in biochemical reactions. From the Nomenclature Committee of the International Union of Biochemistry.
Recommended definitions, terms, and symbols used in biochemical reactions. From the Nomenclature Committee of the International Union of Biochemistry.
Virtual Classroom
Slides and syllabi used in undergraduate and graduate level chemistry courses. Topics include biochemistry, analytical, general, and organic chemistry. From University of Akron.
Slides and syllabi used in undergraduate and graduate level chemistry courses. Topics include biochemistry, analytical, general, and organic chemistry. From University of Akron.