Lesson #1
Biochemistry involves the production and degradation of biological molecules such as
nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Changes in the production or
degradation of these important molecules can cause disorders and diseases in humans.
For each of the human disorders and diseases listed below, indicate whether it is caused
by a change in: (A) nucleic acids (for example: DNA or RNA); (B) amino acids/proteins;
(C) lipids (for example: cholesterol or triglycerides); (D) carbohydrates/sugars; or (E)
vitamins. Provide only one (1) answer for each disease.
1. Phenylketonuria: _____
2. Diabetes: _____
3. Fragile X syndrome: _____
4. Galactosemia: _____
5. Lesch-Nyhan syndrome: _____
6. Pellagra: _____
7. Tay-Sachs disease: _____
8. Tangier disease: _____
9. Spina bifida and anencephaly: _____
10. Friedreich’s ataxia: _____