Biochemistry & Clinical Pathology Syllabus

Chapter 1: Introduction to Biochemistry

  • Scope of biochemistry in pharmacy
    • Cell and its biochemical organization

Chapter 2: Carbohydrates

  • Definition, classification with examples, chemical properties
    • Monosaccharides – the Structure of glucose, fructose, and galactose
    • Disaccharides – the structure of maltose, lactose, and sucrose
    • Polysaccharides – chemical nature of starch and glycogen
    • Qualitative tests and the biological role of carbohydrates

Chapter 3: Proteins

  • Definition and classification of proteins based on composition and solubility with examples
    • Definition, and classification of amino acids based on chemical nature and nutritional requirements with examples
    • Structure of proteins (four levels of organization of protein structure)
    • Qualitative tests and the biological role of proteins and amino acids
    • Diseases related to malnutrition of proteins.

Chapter 4: Lipids

  • Definition, classification with examples
    • Structure and properties of triglycerides (oils and fats)
    • Fatty acid classification – Based on chemical and nutritional requirements with examples
    • Structure and functions of cholesterol in the body
    • Lipoproteins – types, composition and functions in the body
    • Qualitative tests and functions of lipids

Chapter 5: Nucleic Acids

  • Definition, purine and pyrimidine bases
    • Components of nucleosides and nucleotides with examples
    • Structure of DNA (Watson and Crick model), RNA and their functions

Chapter 6: Enzymes

  • Definition, properties and IUB and MB classification
    • Factors affecting enzyme activity
    • Mechanism of action of enzymes, Enzyme inhibitors
    • Therapeutic and pharmaceutical importance of enzymes

Chapter 7: Vitamins

  • Definition and classification with examples
  • Sources, chemical nature, functions, coenzyme form, recommended dietary requirements, deficiency diseases of fat-and water-soluble vitamins

Chapter 8: Metabolism

  • Metabolism of Carbohydrates: Glycolysis, TCA cycle and glycogen metabolism, regulation of blood glucose level. Diseases related to abnormal metabolism of Carbohydrates
    • Metabolism of lipids: Lipolysis, β-oxidation of Fatty acid (Palmitic acid) ketogenesis and ketolysis. Diseases related to abnormal metabolism of lipids such as Ketoacidosis, Fatty liver, Hypercholesterolemia
    • Metabolism of Amino acids (Proteins): General reactions of amino acids and their significance– Transamination, deamination, Urea cycle and decarboxylation. Diseases related to abnormal metabolism of amino acids, Disorders of ammonia metabolism, phenylketonuria, alkaptonuria and Jaundice.
    • Biological oxidation: Electron transport chain and Oxidative phosphorylation

Chapter 9: Minerals

  • Types, Functions, Deficiency diseases, recommended dietary requirements

Chapter 10: Water and Electrolytes

  • Distribution, and functions of water in the body
    • Water turnover and balance
    • The electrolyte composition of the body fluids, Dietary intake of electrolytes and Electrolyte balance
    • Dehydration, causes of dehydration and oral rehydration therapy

Chapter 11: Introduction to Biotechnology Chapter 12: Organ Function Tests

  • Functions of kidney and routinely performed tests to assess the functions of kidneys and their clinical significance
    • Functions of liver and routinely performed tests to assess the functions of the liver and their clinical significance
    • Lipid profile tests and their clinical significance

Chapter 13: Introduction to Pathology of Blood and Urine

  • Lymphocytes and Platelets, their role in health and disease
    • Erythrocytes – Abnormal cells and their significance
    • Normal and Abnormal constituents of Urine and their significance