Biochemistry - Lehninger - 0003

1.
1 Cellular Foundations 3
within a common chemical framework. For the sake of Nucleus (eukaryotes)

clarity, in this book we sometimes risk certain general- or nucleoid (bacteria)
Contains genetic material–DNA and
izations, which, though not perfect, remain useful; we associated proteins. Nucleus is
also frequently point out the exceptions that illuminate membrane-bounded.
scientific generalizations.
Plasma membrane
Biochemistry describes in molecular terms the struc- Tough, flexible lipid bilayer.
tures, mechanisms, and chemical processes shared by Selectively permeable to
all organisms and provides organizing principles that polar substances. Includes
membrane proteins that
underlie life in all its diverse forms, principles we refer function in transport,
to collectively as the molecular logic of life. Although in signal reception,
biochemistry provides important insights and practical and as enzymes.
applications in medicine, agriculture, nutrition, and
industry, its ultimate concern is with the wonder of life
itself.
In this introductory chapter, then, we describe
(briefly!) the cellular, chemical, physical (thermody-
namic), and genetic backgrounds to biochemistry and
the overarching principle of evolution—the develop-
ment over generations of the properties of living cells.
Cytoplasm
As you read through the book, you may find it helpful Aqueous cell contents and
to refer back to this chapter at intervals to refresh your suspended particles
memory of this background material. and organelles.
centrifuge at 150,000 g
1.1 Cellular Foundations
The unity and diversity of organisms become apparent Supernatant: cytosol
even at the cellular level. The smallest organisms consist Concentrated solution
of enzymes, RNA,
of single cells and are microscopic. Larger, multicellular monomeric subunits,
organisms contain many different types of cells, which metabolites,
vary in size, shape, and specialized function. Despite inorganic ions.
these obvious differences, all cells of the simplest and
Pellet: particles and organelles
most complex organisms share certain fundamental Ribosomes, storage granules,
properties, which can be seen at the biochemical level. mitochondria, chloroplasts, lysosomes,
endoplasmic reticulum.
Cells Are the Structural and Functional Units of All FIGURE 1–3 The universal features of living cells. All cells have a
Living Organisms nucleus or nucleoid, a plasma membrane, and cytoplasm. The cytosol
Cells of all kinds share certain structural features (Fig. is defined as that portion of the cytoplasm that remains in the super-
natant after centrifugation of a cell extract at 150,000 g for 1 hour.
1–3). The plasma membrane defines the periphery of
the cell, separating its contents from the surroundings.
It is composed of lipid and protein molecules that form The internal volume bounded by the plasma mem-
a thin, tough, pliable, hydrophobic barrier around the brane, the cytoplasm (Fig. 1–3), is composed of an
cell. The membrane is a barrier to the free passage of aqueous solution, the cytosol, and a variety of sus-
inorganic ions and most other charged or polar com- pended particles with specific functions. The cytosol is
pounds. Transport proteins in the plasma membrane al- a highly concentrated solution containing enzymes and
low the passage of certain ions and molecules; receptor the RNA molecules that encode them; the components
proteins transmit signals into the cell; and membrane (amino acids and nucleotides) from which these macro-
enzymes participate in some reaction pathways. Be- molecules are assembled; hundreds of small organic
cause the individual lipids and proteins of the plasma molecules called metabolites, intermediates in biosyn-
membrane are not covalently linked, the entire struc- thetic and degradative pathways; coenzymes, com-
ture is remarkably flexible, allowing changes in the pounds essential to many enzyme-catalyzed reactions;
shape and size of the cell. As a cell grows, newly made inorganic ions; and ribosomes, small particles (com-
lipid and protein molecules are inserted into its plasma posed of protein and RNA molecules) that are the sites
membrane; cell division produces two cells, each with its of protein synthesis.
own membrane. This growth and cell division (fission) All cells have, for at least some part of their life, ei-
occurs without loss of membrane integrity. ther a nucleus or a nucleoid, in which the genome—

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within a common chemical framework. For the sake of Nucleus (eukaryotes)

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