INTRODUCTION - Scope of Biochemistry

Biochemistry is a branch of life science which deals with the study of chemical reactions that occur in living cells and organisms. Life is a chemical process involving thousands of different reactions occurring in an organized manner. These are called metabolic reactions. The term Biochemistry was first introduced by the German Chemist Carl Neuberg in 1903.

It takes into account the studies related to the nature of the chemical constituents of living matter, their transformations in biological systems and the energy changes associated with these transformations.

Biochemistry may thus be treated as a discipline in which biological phenomena are analyzed in terms of chemistry.

The branch of Biochemistry for the same reason, has been variously named as Biological Chemistry or Chemical Biology.

Modern Biochemistry has two branches, descriptive Biochemistry and dynamic Biochemistry.

Descriptive Biochemistry deals with the qualitative and quantitative characterization of the various cell components and the dynamic Biochemistry deals with the elucidation of the nature and the mechanism of the reactions involving these cell components. Many newer disciplines have been emerged from Biochemistry such of Enzymology (study of enzymes), Endocrinology (study of hormones) Clinical Biochemistry (study of diseases), Molecular Biochemistry (Study of Biomolecules and their functions). Along with these branches certain other specialties have also come up such as Agricultural Biochemistry, Pharmacological Biochemistry etc.
Those who acquire a sound knowledge of Biochemistry can tackle the 2 central concerns of the biomedical sciences

(1) the understanding and maintenance of health

(2) the understanding and treatment of diseases.

Objectives of Biochemistry

The major objective of Biochemistry is the complete understanding of all the chemical processes associated with living cells at the molecular level. To achieve this objective, biochemists have attempted to isolate numerous molecules (Bio molecules) found in cells, to determine their structures and to analyze how they function. Biochemical studies have illuminated many aspects of disease and the study of certain diseases have opened up new therapeutic approaches. In brief the objectives can be listed as follows:

1. Isolation, structural elucidation and the determination of mode of action of biomolecules.
2. Identification of disease mechanisms.
3. Study of in born errors of metabolism
4. Study of oncogenes in cancer cells
5. The relationship of biochemistry with genetics, physiology, immunology, pharmacology, toxicology etc.

Biochemistry is related to almost all the life sciences and without biochemistry background and knowledge, a thorough understanding of health and well-being is not possible.

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Why Indian Peoples are not getting Nobel Prize in Science?

There are so many brilliant scientists in our country but none of them had won Nobel Prize. At
present Biotechnology in India is in very bad condition. We can be one of the Biotech centre in the World. We have Brain, Money, Facilities and more than 200 Research Institutes for  biological or Life Science only but still we are waiting for this excellent Prize. And the bad news could be for us that there is no chance in near future that any one from India will get Nobel Prize. We don't have such quality in research and infrastructure that we can win Nobel Prize.

If you ask any PG student for any great Scientist or Biotechnologist in India, possibly he/she have any answer. No one Scientist in India had done any great work that he or she can come in Limelight. DBT and our Scientific community should do something for this. We had tried to assemble the possible reasons from the suggestions of various Indian People. The possible reasons are here.

Research Institutes / Organization / Academic institutions:

1. There is no noble work is going on any Research Institute of Nobel Prize level. Most of the Research Institutes are doing work based on the work which is already done.

2. Basic researches are coupled with advanced targets and are not focused, thus lacking
Noble Prize Quality.

3. Our Research Institute does not concentrate on basic and fundamental research which is use full for day to day life.

4. The top research institutions are infected with Hierarchy and Bureaucracy (Govt. and Publicly funded institutes and laboratories) which does not allow individual and brilliant scientists to grow independently and do what they want to do.

5. Failure of the organizations to create a working environment, which is competitive in positive terms.

6. At research organizational levels, wastage of money and time on internal politics than allowing research workers to work.

7. In most of the organizations, administration is being looked after by the administrators, at the cost of suppressing many qualities and ultimately morale of the scientific workers.

8. In research institute the environment is not so good that we do not generate original
ideas.

9. Funding for a new idea is limited and possibly system can not justify the new idea.

10. Our peers many times do not accept entirely new idea.

11. We are too bothered to see if the idea is acceptable to others

12. The top academic institutions in India cater to teaching and do not promote research to acceptable levels.

13. We have already so many private organizations. They are organizing various programs and Training but their main aim is get funds from DBT.

 

Scientists

1. Older generation try to take credit from the work and ideas generated by younger generation.

2. Harassment by senior colleague, who never wants junior to achieve anything.

3. Research Jealousy in Scientists.

4. The scientists are emphasing on publication rather than the useful output. In many research institute most scientists are pasted front page of their publication in their notice board. But they are very far from any useful patent.

5. More publication by any scientist are thought more effectiveness so that in most places (seminar and conferences and guest lecturers) in their introduction one line is common that he/she have already published this much papers in national and international journals. It does not matter whether this have a valuable or not.

6. Lack of integrity of scientists.

7. The lack of cooperation and coordination between the group of scientists, if they really work hard by putting their all efforts in their work unitedly, definitely they can achieve.

8. Some Scientist live life comfortably and happily, some have no new Idea, some are enjoying their power.

 

Peoples

1. People are not thinking to take research as carrier.
2. Brain drain- Most of the PhD students after submitting there thesis go to abroad for PDF. The best of them are absorbed there it self.
3. People engaged in research do not want to shift to other organization having appropriate infrastructure for insecurity in terms of loosing earlier good & permanent jobs.
4. Lack of creativity in earlier generations. Most of the students are creative only in childhood but on PG almost creativity lost due to our education system. Our Education system is not such that it enhances creativity.
5. Most Students are studying to earn money. After doing PG most are searching job and are not trying to clear NET for Research.
6. Peopleıs mentalities are not to be a scientist or not to make their child a scientist. If you ask any PG student for any Scientist or Biotechnologist of India, possibly he/she doesnıt have any answer. No one Scientist in India had done any work that he or she can come in  Limelight.
7. Most times we only consider thoughts and materials of foreigners better than our ones. If somebody between us does some innovative work, we will not give him equal importance as we give to foreigners doing the same things.

Government / System

1. Our system does not appreciably identify brilliance and creativity early on in the career of an individual researcher/scientist. Example. Noble Literate Hargobind Khurana.
2. Due to Poor infrastructure and delayed implementation of funds most of interest in research is lost.
3. The weaknesses in India's research system due to which the real talents of the peoples get lost in the useless exercises and it never comes to the surface.
4. No proper Infrastructure, encouragement and freedom.
5. We donıt get the facilities as well as environment to conduct the research.
6. Most of the appointments are made on extraneous considerations and not on merit.
7. Lacking of easy access to appropriate infrastructure
8. No such incentives or Promotion in job.
9. The ultimate democracy and freedom of speech and thought does not exist in reality in institutions.
10. No serious intensions from the Government to search out and promote REAL talents.
11. Too much of interference in academic/scientific institutes by politicians.
12. The government is not that much encouraging the research like the foreign countries
by granting the funds they need.
13. Our country has a large problem of unemployment and most of the people go for good job instead of research.
14. Present system is full of bias, politically motivated and seeks more number of publications. The recognition of quality publications is name sake in individual promotion and selection.
15. Most scientists on top faculty lack in vision, devotion and attitude for consists basic research.
16. Scientist wants to enjoy power either as director, DG or president, the scientist really doing best remains on very low profile.
17. Our system can possibly recognize intelligency but not intellectuality.

We need your valuable comments and suggestions on it.

30 Years of Biochemistry and Beyond

Education in Forensic Science and Job prospects

Forensic Science: This particular branch of Science is related to application of scientific principles for the investigation of crime. As per the definition of free dictionary, forensic is related to the use of science or technology in the investigation and establishment of facts or evidence in a court of law:

You might have seen some crime search episode in TV channels like Discovery and also some thrillers in Hindi on national channel. Professionals trained in forensic science examines the clues found at crime place and help investigation agencies in concluding cases based on evidences gathered and examined by forensic staff.

The examination reports provided by Forensic laboratories are used as evidences in court proceedings. The evidences might include traces of blood, saliva, other body fluids, hair, fingerprints, footwear and type impressions, explosives, specimens of tissue for poisons, blood and urine for alcohol etc.

Education :

1. Diploma:

A.Diploma in Criminology

Eligibility requirements: graduation,

Duration: One year

Institute : Faculty of law, University of Pune,

Ganeshkhind Road, Pune, Maharashtra, India

 

B.Diploma In Forensic Science

Institute Name : Department of Forensic Science, Panjabi University,

Patiala, Punjab, India, 147 002

 

C. PG Diploma in Forensic Science

Institute Name : University of Delhi,

Department of Antropology, University of Delhi, Delhi-110 007

 

2. Under-graduate course:

BSc Honours Forensic science

Institute Name : Institute of Forensic science and criminology, Bundelkhand University, Kanpur Road, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India, 284128

 

3. Post graduation:

Eligibility requirements: A graduate preferably with a first division in Physics, chemistry, zoology, botany, biochemistry, micro-biology, B.pharm, BDS or applied science.

 

Forensic Science courses are offered by the following Institutes:

1. Forensic Sciences Department, "Forensic House", 30-A, Kamarajar Salai, Mylapore, Chennai 600004.

2. Anna University, Chennai 600025

3. Punjabi University, Patiala 147002

4. University of Delhi, Delhi 110007

5. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University, Senate House, Paliwal Park, Agra 282004.

6. Karnatak University, Pavate Nagar, Dharwad 580003

7. University of Lucknow, Badshah Bagh, Lucknow- 226007

8. Punjab University, Chandigarh

9. Institute of Criminology & Forensic Science, 4-E Jhandewalan Extn, Rani Jhansi Road, New Delhi 110056.

10. Doctor Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Gour Nagar, Sagar 470003

11. Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science, Delhi

12. Dr.Harisingh Gour Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gour Nagar, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh.

13. Forensic Sciences Depart-ment, "Forensic House", 30-A, Kamarajar Salai, Mylapore, Chennai 600004.

14. Institute of Criminology & Forensic Science, 4-E Jhandewalan Extn, Rani Jhansi Road, New Delhi 110056.

15. Central Forensic Laboratory, Kolkata, CFIs Complex, 30 Gorachand Road, Kolkata 700014.

16. Guru Gobind Singh Indra-prastha University, Kashmere Gate, Delhi-110006, India.

17. Allahabad Agriculture Institute-Deemed University, Allahabad.

 

Research courses

Age limit: below 30 years

Educational qualifications: Master’s degree with first division in any of the subjects :

Physics/Chemistry/Biochemistry/Anthropology/Zoology/Molecular Biology/Maths (with Physics as one of the subjects at the bachelor degree level)/Biotechnology/Microbiology/ Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Forensic Psychology etc. or M.Phil in the same subjects whichever is the essential qualification.

Research:

1. Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad, CFIs Complex, Ramanathapur, Hyderabad 500013.

2. Neutron Activation Analysis Unit, BARC, Mumbai.

3. Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Chandigarh, CFIs Complex, Sector 36A, Chandigarh 160036.

Job Prospects

Departments offering job opportunities:

Intelligence Bureau (IB),

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

Crime cells of state police forces.

Forensic laboratories a

Private detective agencies

Job prospects

Crime investigators:Diploma in Forensic Investigation or Degree in Forensic Investigation or Degree in Analytical Chemistry.

Forensic Pathologists : Medical degree (MBBS) with M.D or appropriate post-graduate qualifications in Forensic Science.

Forensic Anthropologists : A Ph.D in anthropology with an emphasis on the study of human osteology and anatomy or a Medical degree (MBBS) with appropriate post-graduate qualifications.

Forensic Psychologist and Psychiatrist : Medical degree (MBBS) with appropriate post-graduate qualifications

Forensic Dentist : Degree in Dentistry, Post Graduate Diploma of Forensic Odontology.

Clinical Forensic Medicine : Medical degree (MBBS) with appropriate post-graduate qualifications.

Forensic Serologist/Forensic Chemist : Science degree with a major in analytical, applied or forensic chemistry.

Forensic linguists/Ballisticist : Science degree with a major in a relevant discipline, Diploma in forensic investigation, Degree in forensic investigation.

Forensic Engineer : An Engineering degree with post-graduate qualifications in Forensic Engineering

Nasty Biochemistry

The most boring subject in the world is biochemistry.

I hate it as much as I love the books of mystery.

 

Oxidase, reductase and hydrogenase,

They give me anxiety and scares.

 

Its nomenclature and structures,

Forget me the taste of burgers.

 

Proteins, polypeptides and peptides,

They make we want to commit suicide.

 

Imbibitions and adsorption,

Always hurt my emotions.

 

Osmosis and osmotic pressure,

Keep me always under high blood pressure.

 

Amino acids with basic chain,

Shower on me, the “acid rain”

 

Avogadro’s and Henderson’s laws,

Are as dangerous as dog’s paws.

 

Fatty acids and waxes,

They seem to me like taxes.

 

O! God save me from this creature,

It is a notorious danger

That green plants can produce their own food by photosynthesis using sunlight is common knowledge. But if someone claims that an organism can acquire the ability to photosynthesizes simply by eating plants one would laugh at it. Is it true?

no, simply by eating plants an animal will not be "converted". That doesn't mean though that interesting associations cannot occur, although I am hard-put to think of one involving an animal and a plant at the moment. Certainly some plants that cannot photosynthesize use others that can and form a frequently but not always mutually dependent or beneficial permanent bond.
Another question is of course COULD it occur.... never say never. There are some odd examples (or in the view of some, odd theories) that show that a coming together of two organisms at the cellular level can or could result in one single independent organism from then on. Margulis's Endosymbiotic Theory is a nice example of that. Might not seem much, two cells but... those cells multiplied together make you and me, animals, plants.... if she was right (she was very pretty and married to Carl Sagan but that isn't quite enough evidence..

Why is Fluoride Bad for You?

If someone told you that every time you turn on your tap to get a drink of water you are pouring poison into your glass you probably wouldn't be so keen on drinking the resulting fluid. If you were told that the toothpaste you use each day to clean your teeth, and your children's teeth also contained this same poison you would no doubt think very long and hard before using that product again wouldn't you?

The scary thing is that this is exactly what we are doing day to day, ingesting a poisonous substance because we have been brainwashed into believing it is good for our teeth. The facts of the matter are vastly different though, and I hope after reading this article you will all think long and hard about whether or not you might be better off buying bottled spring water and using a fluoride free toothpaste.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a pollutant - a by-product of copper, iron and aluminum manufacturing. The

problem of how to legally dispose of fluoride was solved in the 1930's when a study (funded

by one of the country's largest aluminum companies) concluded that fluoride prevented tooth

decay.

Even more alarming the chemicals most used to fluoridate drinking water are silicofluorides,

contaminated waste product of industry, that were never safety tested on humans or animals.

As a result what we are actually doing is conducting a massive toxicological experiment with

our children as the test subjects.

Silicofluorides are linked with children's increased lead absorption. Studies link fluoride

chemicals to bone fractures, lowered IQ, thyroid dysfunction, cancer, allergies and more.

Why is Fluoride Bad for Me?

British researchers report in the British Medical Journal that fluoridation studies are flawed. A

Canadian Government report found fluoridation does more harm than good. A US National

Institutes of Health Panel found most tooth decay studies, including hundreds on fluoride,

scientifically invalid. Even UNICEF, the organization that protects children, reports, "more and

more scientists are now seriously questioning the benefits of fluoride, even in small

amounts."

New research proves old-time dentists' premise was wrong. Fluoride's possible benefits, if

any, are topical. So there's no good reason to swallow fluoride or put it into the water supply.

Fluoride is highly toxic. In fact, before fluoride was deemed a "cavity fighter," it was used as

insecticide and rat poison. In fact when it comes to dental hygiene, fluoride actually does

more harm than good.

When you consume too much fluoride, your teeth can become discolored and crumble.

In tests on laboratory animals, fluoride has been shown to enhance the brain's absorption of

aluminum (the substance that's found in the brains of most Alzheimer's patients). Three

different osteoporosis studies have associated hip fractures with fluoridation. And excessive

fluoride has been shown to damage the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, leading to

limited joint mobility, ligament calcification, muscular degeneration and neurological deficits.

A number of different studies have linked fluoride to as many as 10,000 cancer deaths per

year, with a high incidence of bone cancer among men exposed to fluoridated water.

Fluoride is an acute toxin with a rating slightly higher than that of lead.According to "Clinical

Toxicology of Commercial products," 5th Edition, 1984, lead is given a toxicity rating of 3 to 4,

and Fluoride is rated at 4 (3 = moderately toxic, 4 = very toxic).

Fluoride is also considered toxic waste. It is one of the most bone seeking elements known to

mankind. The US Public Health Service has stated that fluoride makes the bones more brittle

and the dental enamel more porous.

Approximately half of each day's fluoride intake will be retained. This is what makes it so

dangerous. "The dose makes the poison". All sides agree to the fact that healthy kidneys

can eliminate only about 50% of daily fluoride intake. The rest gets absorbed in calcified

tissues, like bones and teeth.The National Academy Of Sciences (NAS) stated in 1977 that,

for the average individual, a retention of 2mg/day would result in crippling skeletal fluorosis

after 40 years.

Four major studies involving 480,000 children (US, 39,000; Japan, 22,000; India, 400,000;

Tucson, 29,000) comparing fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas showed no significant

difference in decay rates. Proven is that a higher intake of fluoride will actually cause MORE

cavities, especially for children with low dietary calcium intake.

Those little white spots visible on the teeth of many children are called dental fluorosis, a

condition

which not only predisposes them to decay, but also provides a sign that systemic fluoride

poisoning is taking place. Dental fluorosis appears to serve as a red flag for future bone

fractures as well.

In 1990 fluoride was found to be an equivocal carcinogen by the National Cancer Institute

Toxicology Program.(Maurer, et. al.,"Fluoride an equivocal carcinogen. J.National Cancer

Institute 82, 1118-26, 1990)

There are also studies proving that fluoride toxicity affects fertility.

In a dramatic turnaround, the nation's leading fluoride advocate, The American Dental

Association (ADA), issued an alert on November 9th (2006) urging parents to avoid

fluoridated water when reconstituting infant formula, warning that "Infants less than one year

old may be getting more than the optimal amount of fluoride if their primary source of

nutrition is powdered or liquid infant formula mixed with water containing fluoride."

The most recognized problem with the ingestion of too much fluoride is dental fluorosis. This

condition is characterized by the failure of tooth enamel to crystallize properly in permanent

teeth. The effects range from chalky, opaque blotching of teeth to severe, rust-colored

stains, surface pitting and tooth brittleness.

Studies dating back to the 1950s have shown links between Down's Syndrome and natural

fluoridation. Ionel Rapaport also showed how the age of women bearing Down's Syndrome

children decreased in direct relation to the increase of fluoride in the water supply. The more

fluoride that was in the water, the younger the age of the women bearing Down's Syndrome

children.

Risk to the thyroid gland.According to the NRC, fluoride is an “endocrine disrupter.” Most

notably, the NRC has warned that doses of fluoride (0.01-0.03 mg/kg/day) achievable by

drinking fluoridated water, may reduce the function of the thyroid among individuals with low iodine

intake. Reduction of thyroid activity can lead to loss of mental acuity, depression and

weight gain.