Introduction To Biochemistry Laboratory

Introduction
Biochemistry is the branch of life science that deals with the study of
chemical reactions occurring in the living cells and organisms. The term
“Biochemistry” was first introduced by the German Chemist Carl Neuberg in 1903.
It considers 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 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 found in
cells, to determine their structures, and to analyze how they function. Biochemical
studies have illuminated many aspects of diseases and the study of certain diseases
has opened new therapeutic approaches.
Biochemistry is the study and application of substances, reactions, and

processes in animals, plants, bacteria, and viruses. Biochemistry has a vast scope.
Biochemists work in hospitals, industry, drug design and development,
environmental sciences, forestry, agriculture, dietetics, hormone production,
vaccine research, virology, immunology, microbiology, toxicology, food science,
plant science and associated areas, and many more.
General Laboratory Principles

A biochemistry laboratory provides controlled conditions in which scientific
or technological research, experiments, and measurement may be performed.
Laboratories used for scientific research take many forms because of the different
requirements of specialists in the various fields of science and engineering.
Safety in the Laboratory
Safety in the laboratory involves a cautious attitude and an awareness of

potential hazards. Usually, potential accidents can be anticipated and prevented if
safety precautions are followed. The number of laboratory accidents can be reduced
if every student follows all the directions given for the experiment and by the
instructor. Special note must be taken of specific instructions that are given in an
experiment to eliminate recognized potential hazards. Work in the Biochemistry
laboratory involves the use of inflammable solvents, some corrosive and toxic
chemicals, and apparatus which can cause minor to severe injury. All works with
solvents and chemicals must be performed in the fume hoods and not on the
benchtop. Safety glasses and shoes must be worn at all times while in the laboratory.
Fire Accidents
When a person’s clothing catches fire, prevent him/her from running. If

he/she is close enough, put him/her under the safety shower because it is more
effective than a blanket. If not, make him/her lie down and smother the flames by
rolling, wrapping with lab coats, blankets, towels, etc. Never turn a carbon dioxide
extinguisher on a person.
If a fire breaks out, turn off all burners and remove solvents if time allows.
Carbon dioxide extinguishers are a must in the laboratory, their position and
operation should be known. Point the extinguisher at the base of the flames. Very
small fires can be put out with a damp towel by smothering. The priority should be
the safety of all than the mater of extinguishing the fire is considered. A few seconds
delay can result in very serious injury, so every person in the laboratory should plan
what he/she will do in case of such an emergency.
Chemical Accidents
If corrosive chemicals are spilled on the clothing, immediately showering

(with clothing on) is the best remedy. Safety showers are located by each door. If
chemicals are spilled on the skin, wash then off with large volumes of water.
Bromines should be washed off with water and the skin must be massaged with
ethanol or glycerin. Do not apply a burn ointment. If the chemical is spilled in the
eyes, it should immediately be washed out thoroughly with water using the eyewash
sprayer in the sinks. If acid was involved, a weak solution of Sodium bicarbonate in
an eyecup should then be used. If base was involved, then Boric acid is effective to
use. If corrosive chemicals are spilled on the desk, dilute them with a large volume
of water and then neutralize with Sodium bicarbonate if an acid, or dilute Acetic
acid is a base.
First Aid in the Laboratory
Accidents do not often happen in well-equipped laboratories if one of them

understands safe laboratory procedures and are careful in following them. When an
occasional accident does occur, it is likely to be a minor one. The following
information will be helpful to you if an accident occurs:
a. In accidental swallowing of acids or alkali, the mouth must be thoroughly
rinsed with water. In the case of acid, rinse the mouth with dilute Sodium
carbonate, and in the case of alkali, with dilute Citric acid. If proper
swallowing has occurred, the person should be made to drink water followed
by milk in case of acid and lemon juice in the case of alkali.
b. Skin burns should be washed under running water or ice water and then apply
Petroleum jelly or burnt ointment and cover with a sterile gauge.
c. Inhalation injury by toxic fumes is best treated by shifting the person to an
open fresh air atmosphere. Irritation to the throat can be smoothened with
hot water vapor inhalation or a warm drink.
d. Chemical injury to the eyes must be treated by thorough washing with water
and then applying 2% Sodium carbonate drops till referred to a specialist.
Hazards in the Laboratory – Important Terms
a. Severe Toxicity – adverse effects of
a substance that result either from
a single exposure or from multiple
exposures in a short space of time
(usually less than 24 hours)
b. Irritant – causes redness,
inflammation
c. Corrosive – “eats away” tissue
gradually
d. Carcinogenic – causes cancer
e. Flammable – easily set on fire
f. Biohazard- substances that pose a
threat to the health of living
organisms, primarily that of humans
Regulations in the Laboratory

✓ Safety glasses must be worn at all times by students and instructors. Visitors
to the laboratory must be appropriately warned and safety glasses should be
made available to them.
✓ Fume hoods must be used while working with chemicals that produce
hazardous fumes.
✓ The location of fire extinguishers, safety showers, and eyewash stations must
be known.
✓ There must be no unsupervised or unauthorized work going on in the
laboratory.
✓ A laboratory is never a place for practical jokes or pranks.
✓ The toxicity of all the chemicals you will be working with must be known.
Recently, many common organic chemicals, such as Benzene, Carbon
tetrachloride, and Chloroform, have been deemed unsafe.
✓ Eating, drinking, or smoking in the laboratory is never allowed. Never use
laboratory containers, such as beakers and flasks, to drink beverages.
✓ Shoes (not open-toed) must always be worn; hazardous chemicals may be
spilled on the floor or feet.
✓ Long hair should be always be tied back.
✓ Mouth pipetting is never allowed. Cuts and burns must be immediately
treated. Use ice on new burns and consult a doctor for serious cuts.
✓ Weak acids, such as Citric acid, should be used to neutralize base spills while
weak bases, such as Sodium carbonate, should be used to neutralize acid
spills. Solutions of these should be readily available in the laboratory in case
of an emergency.
✓ Dispose of all waste chemicals from the experiments according to your
instructor’s direction.
✓ In the event of an accident, report immediately to your instructor, regardless
of how minor you perceive it to be.
✓ Always be watchful and considerate of others working in the laboratory. It is
important not to jeopardize their safety or yours.
✓ Always use equipment that is in good condition. Any piece of glassware that
is cracked or chipped should be discarded and replaced.
✓ It is impossible to foresee all possible hazards that may manifest themselves
in a laboratory. So, all students need to listen closely to their instructor and
obey the rules to avoid injury.

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Introduction

The major objective of Biochemistry is the complete understanding of all the

Biochemistry is the study and application of substances, reactions, and

General Laboratory Principles

Safety in the Laboratory

Safety in the laboratory involves a cautious attitude and an awareness of

When a person’s clothing catches fire, prevent him/her from running. If

If corrosive chemicals are spilled on the clothing, immediately showering

First Aid in the Laboratory

Accidents do not often happen in well-equipped laboratories if one of them

Regulations in the Laboratory

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