History of Biochemistry

History of Biochemistry

Emergence of pure chemistry (1650-1780)

 Instead of conforming to the prevailing chemistry of his time, Robert Boyle engages in a rigorous analysis of it and highlights the utmost importance of differentiating discrete substances.

 John Mayow astutely discerns remarkable similarities between the respiration of mammals and the oxidative mechanisms involved in the decomposition of organic compounds.

 Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier performs crucial inquiries on chemical oxidation, establishing parallels between this phenomenon and respiration.

 Joseph Priestley, Jan Ingenhousz, and Jean Senebier are esteemed chemists who have exemplified the interdependent connection between photosynthesis and respiration.

Early Greek Origins

 The origins of biochemistry can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, who exhibited a deep interest in the components and complex mechanisms of living organisms.

 A significant advancement in the realm of biochemistry took place in 1833, when Anselme Payen achieved a noteworthy breakthrough by successfully identifying the primary enzyme referred to as diastase, commonly known as amylase.

 Scholars widely agree that Eduard Buchner's contributions to the field of biochemistry were pivotal, signifying a notable shift. There exists a prevailing consensus that his empirical demonstration of alcoholic fermentation taking place in extracts devoid of cells constituted a seminal moment in this specific realm of investigation.

 During the 18th century, Antoine Lavoisier made significant contributions to the advancement of the understanding of fermentation and respiration, two highly intricate biological processes.

Establishment of the Field of Biochemistry

The nomenclature "biochemistry" arises from the fusion of the prefix "bio-," signifying "life," and the realm of scientific inquiry known as "chemistry."

The nomenclature "biochemistry" was introduced by Felix Hoppe-Seyler in the year 1877, with the purpose of emphasizing the intimate correlation between this scientific field and the investigation of physiological chemistry.

The prevailing agreement among scholars suggests that the aforementioned term was initially coined by Carl Neuberg in the year 1903. It is of utmost significance to acknowledge, however, that there are conflicting interpretations pertaining to the attribution of the origins of the term to Franz Hofmeister.

The study of structural organic chemistry and advancements in the field of biochemistry during the 19th century

 Structural organic chemistry has advanced, enabling research into living organisms' chemical processes.

 The basic principles of organic, physical, and biological chemistry allow them to be applied to physiological issues.

 Progress is hampered by vitalists' incapacity to recognise chemical and physical principles in living creatures.

 Friedrich Wöhler's synthesis of urea contradicted vitalist views and set the framework for artificially replicating organic substances.

 Justus von Liebig's founding of agricultural chemistry highlighted the necessity of chemical analysis in fertilisers. Liebig's study illustrates the interdependence between plants and animals.

 Louis Pasteur's important study showed how yeasts and bacteria contribute to fermentation and disease, laying the foundations of modern bacteriology.

 Pasteur classed enzymes as ferments, but modern science sees them as nonliving processes that perform critical biological tasks.

 Enzymes are proteinaceous and include amino acids.

 Vitamins' function in enzymatic activities has led to new approaches to vitamin deficiency.

 Muscle tissue and respiratory functions show that adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a vital energy source.

 Technological advances and radioactive isotopes have made it possible to follow metabolic pathways and pinpoint reaction sites in cells.

 The discovery and identification of nucleic acid, subsequently called DNA, laid the groundwork for understanding heredity and cellular division.

 Watson and Crick's discovery of DNA's double helix shape illuminates how this molecule maintains and passes on genetic traits.

Advances in modern Biochemistry

 For the first time, scientists have shown they can chemically replicate complex biological compounds by synthesising a protein.

 Enzyme structure mapping might help us learn more about their atomic arrangement.

 The discovery of the controls on metabolic processes has boosted our knowledge of living systems. Hormones' direct molecular effect is one such method.

Through the establishment of robust chemical frameworks, these pivotal breakthroughs in biochemistry have fundamentally reshaped our comprehension of the intricate mechanisms taking place within living organisms. The amalgamation of chemistry and biology has facilitated significant advancements in the domains of medicine, agriculture, and the elucidation of the underlying mechanisms governing living entities.

History of Biochemistry.