Basic Biochemistry

Abstract

To understand the action of many chemotherapeutic agents at the cellular level, it is necessary to have some knowledge of pertinent biochemical pathways within the cell. The deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in the chromosomes contains the information required to programme cell function. The information is in the form of a code which is translated into ribonucleic acid (RNA) and subsequently into protein. In the cytoplasm of the cell, there are specialised organelles such as mitochondria, ribosomes and endoplasmic reticulum (Figure 3.1). The mitochondria produce energy, essential for metabolic processes, from carbohydrate, fat and protein. The cell membrane is an important structure, regulating the transfer of molecules into and out of the cell.