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Biochemistry is the study of the even more molecular interactions of the chemicals that govern biological processes.

In Cell Biology we explained how the virus is able to use its spike protein to mimic angiotensinogen and bind to ACE2.

But isn’t that weird?

How can a virus just create a similar molecule like that?

Biochemistry allows us to understand how the actual molecules in our body interact by looking at the chemistry of life.

The Two Things to know About Biochem

Principle 1: Chemistry is the Study of Substances

Biology explains how life works. Chemistry explains how molecules work. For instance, water is important for us to live. We drink water to preserve many functions in the human body.

But the actual properties of water that makes it so important is described by chemistry. Thus, chemistry allows us to understand the very specific molecular mechanisms and interactions that enable biological processes.

Biochemistry is used to develop drugs that can fight off diseases.

Principle 2: The Four Macromolecules of Life

When studying biology, you are going to come across four types of molecules:

Proteins (e.g. the spike proteins mentioned before)
Nucleic acids (e.g. DNA and RNA)
Carbohydrates (e.g. Glucose)
Lipids (e.g. phospholipid layer surrounding cell)

Proteins

You are going to see proteins serve a lot of different functions. The main thing to know about proteins is that they have an insane amount of diversity. Because proteins are formed by building blocks called amino acids, they can mix-and-match into many different cool proteins that do different cool stuff from hemoglobin carrying oxygen in your blood to the keratin that makes up your hair and nails.

Structure of hemoglobin (diagram) (Source: Wikipedia)

Nucleic acids

Structure of keratin (diagram) (Source: Sino Biological)

There are two main nucleic acids: DNA and RNA.

DNA is a bit more straightforward as there is only one main type. RNA, on the other hand, has many types: mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, and other more minor ones.

The exact functions of DNA and RNA will be elaborated on in Genetics & Development. For now, just look at the structure.

Carbohydrates

If you ever heard people say “sugar” or “carbs”, they are referring to the third class of macromolecules: carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are molecules with both carbon and hydrogen.

Probably the most famous (and initially important)

Lipids

Lipids may be less obvious one to understand, as you typically don’t hear people mention “lipids” as much as you hear about proteins, DNA, and carbs. However, when people talk about “fats” in food, they are referring to lipids.

Lipids serve many diverse functions in the body and are known for being hydrophobic (not soluble in water).

Biochemistry