Chemistry 301 Introduction to Biochemistry

Study Guide :: UNIT 10

Putting it all Together

Overview

This short unit will provide you with an overview of the concepts learned in this course and how they are interconnected. The single reading in this unit will allow you to look back on what you have learned, and look ahead to the future of biochemistry and the advancements that will impact society.

Learning Objectives

After completing this unit, you should be able to:

1. Discuss some of the important concepts in biochemistry.
2. Explain in general how research in biochemistry is changing.

Readings and Activities

1. Read Chapter 10 Putting Everything Together (pages 229–236 of the textbook).

Glossary

Study Questions

1. How has sequencing changed research in biochemistry and other disciplines in science?
2. Define the following terms:
   • genomics
   • proteonomics
   • metabolomics
   • transcriptomics
3. What role does computing play in advancing knowledge in biochemistry?
4. Name two applications of systems biology.
5. What is synthetic biology?

If you wish to discuss any of these questions or need assistance with the material, please contact your Academic Expert (AE) by emailing the Student Success Centre at fst_success@athabascau.ca.

Answers to Unit 10 Study Questions

1. Sequencing has changed research in biochemistry and other disciplines because entire genome sequences of many organisms are now available that can allow researchers to identify, study, clone and compare many different genes in an organism and also understand how they all interact or respond to a number of conditions. Huge databases have been developed to handle the massive amounts of data generated. The old methods of studying individual reactions have moved to studying cellular biochemistry in its entirety.
2. Genomics is the study of the DNA in the cell. Proteonomics is the study of all the proteins in the cell. Metabolomics is the study of all the metabolic reactions in the cell. Transcriptomics is the study of all the transcription products in the cell.
3. Computing is important in advancing knowledge in biochemistry because it allows the storage and analysis of large amounts of data that is generated in these cell‑wide approaches. It also allows comparisons between organisms or systems. It also allows researchers to model or predict outcomes based on data previously generated. This is the goal of systems biology.
4. Two applications of systems biology are: 1) understanding how antibiotics work and 2) developing more effective vaccines.
5. Synthetic biology is when the knowledge gained is used to engineer novel biological systems and pathways. Entire genomes may be made synthetically and used to program cells or organisms.

If you wish to discuss any of these questions or need assistance with the material, please contact your Academic Expert (AE) by emailing the Student Success Centre at fst_success@athabascau.ca.