BIOL 466 - 001

Life is based on four principle cellular components: proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. Biochemistry is concerned with the structure, function, and interactions of these compounds with one another and their environment. As such biochemistry plays a vital part in all aspects of the medical sciences since it not only helps us to understand how the (human) cell works on a molecular level but also how to decipher and possibly counter pathogenic conditions. Consider that almost all drugs used in medical treatment target proteins or groups of proteins to modulate their biochemical properties.