Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms. It combines biology and chemistry to understand the structure, function, and interactions of biomolecules that make up all forms of life.
Key Biomolecules
- Proteins (蛋白质): Made up of amino acids, proteins perform a wide variety of functions including catalyzing metabolic reactions (enzymes), providing structure, and regulating processes.
- Carbohydrates (碳水化合物): Serve as energy sources and structural components. Examples include glucose and starch molecules.
- Lipids (脂类): Include fats, oils, and phospholipids. They store energy, make up cell membranes, and act as signaling molecules.
- Nucleic acids (核酸类): DNA and RNA, which store and transmit genetic information.
- Other important molecules: Glucose (葡萄糖), glycerol (甘油), amino acids (氨基酸), fatty acids (脂肪酸), nucleotides (核苷酸).
Cell Structures
- Nucleus (细胞核): Contains genetic material (DNA).
- Mitochondria (线粒体): The “powerhouse” of the cell, where energy (ATP) is produced.
- Endoplasmic reticulum (内质网): Involved in protein and lipid synthesis.
- Chloroplast (叶绿体): Site of photosynthesis in plant cells.
- Cilium (纤毛): Hair-like structures for movement or sensing the environment.
- Vacuole (液泡): Storage organelle in cells.
- Ribosome (核糖体): Site of protein synthesis.
Reproduction and Genetics
- Egg and sperm cells (卵子和精子细胞): Reproductive cells that combine to form a zygote (受精卵).
- Zygote: The first cell formed after fertilization.
- Mitosis: Cell division that produces identical cells, important for growth and repair.
- Meiosis: Cell division that produces reproductive cells (gametes) with genetic variation.
Pheromones
Pheromones are chemical signals released by an organism to affect the behavior or physiology of others of the same species. For example, ants use pheromone trails to communicate the shortest path to food sources. The stronger the pheromone trail, the more likely other ants will follow it.
Because an ant that took a shorter path returns first, its pheromone trail is stronger and other ants will follow it according to rule two.
Food Irradiation (食品辐射照射处理)
Food irradiation is a food safety process that uses ionizing radiation to kill microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, or insects in food. Other applications include inhibiting sprouting, delaying ripening, promoting juice production, and improving rehydration. Treated foods are called “irradiated foods.”
Food irradiation is considered safe and effective by many health organizations. It helps prevent foodborne illnesses and extends shelf life.
Vertical Farming (垂直农业)
Vertical farming is the practice of growing crops in vertically stacked layers or integrated into other structures, such as skyscrapers, warehouses, or shipping containers. This method uses controlled environment agriculture (CEA) technology, including artificial lighting, climate control, and fertigation (fertilizer + irrigation).
Vertical farming allows for year-round crop production, efficient use of space, and reduced need for pesticides and water compared to traditional farming.
Biochemistry is a fascinating field that connects the molecular world to the processes of life. Understanding the basics of biomolecules, cell structures, and modern applications like food safety and agriculture can help you appreciate the complexity and beauty of living systems.