Human Biochemistry, Volume 1 - Murray R. 1993

Biomolecules and Biochemical Methods
Introduction

This chapter consists of five main sections. The first section examines the COMPOSITION OF THE Organism and the Major Classes of molecules from which it is built. These molecules will be discussed throughout the entire book.

The basic Structural and functional unit of biological systems is The Cell. It is within Cells that the majority of Chemical Reactions take place. Therefore, the second section provides a Brief Overview of cell components and Methods for their isolation; a significant portion of this book will be dedicated to a detailed Description of the Functions of these components.

The purpose of the third section stems from the fact that biochemistry is an experimental science. It is essential to understand and be able to evaluate various experimental approaches and methods used in biochemistry so that studying it does not boil down to mere rote memorization. Furthermore, biochemistry is not a static body of immutable knowledge, but a constantly evolving science. As in other fields of biomedical research, its advances largely depend on novel experimental approaches and technological progress.

The fourth section briefly summarizes the achievements of biochemistry. A General Overview of the science as a whole will help the reader navigate the presented material more effectively.

Class="center">Table 2.1. Approximate Elemental Composition of The Human Body (as a percentage of dry weight)¹⁾

¹⁾ From West E. S., Todd W. R.: Textbook of Biochemistry, 3rd ed. Macmillan, 1961, reprinted with permission.

Finally, the goal of the fifth section is to demonstrate just how limited our knowledge remains in many areas of biochemistry; this applies in particular to developmental processes, tissue differentiation, Brain function, and the causes of Cancer and other human diseases. Hopefully, this realization will inspire readers to contribute to the advancement of these fields of research.