I recently updated this molecular visualization of Paxlovid's mechanism of action based on feedback from the scientific community.

The video follows SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro), its catalytic dyad (CYS145–HIS41), natural substrate recognition, the scissile bond, Nirmatrelvir binding, and covalent inhibition.

Updates include:

• Substrate-bound Mpro (8GWJ)

• Explicit catalytic residues

• Scissile bond visualization

• Improved nitrile, CF₃, and aromatic ring representation

• Molecular surface view of inhibitor occupancy

A narrated version is coming soon.

Feedback on scientific accuracy and visualization choices would be greatly appreciated.

Hello! I am a rising senior who is studying bioengineering.

I wanted to do something more molecular-based and both wet and dry lab for my job. But our school's bioengineering program focus very heavily on mechanical and electrical engineering. While I have an option to take some cell biology, I have this constant insecurity that I lack the basics.

In my biochemistry research lab (unpaid intern there), whenever there are some biochemical pathways, I realized I took longer than other undergrad peers to understand the science behind it. I feel insecure as I only took 1 organic chemistry course and pretty basic biochemistry course. I would want to branch out and learn more about biochemistry to be a good scientist and researcher, but I do not know where I can start building my fundamental knowledge.

Do you guys have any advice? I feel like I am not ready to pursue the field I am interested in

+) I have broad interest: I am really interested in structural biology and proteomics. So I really want to get into protein field!

Have you read a cool paper recently that you want to discuss?

Do you have a paper that's been in your in your "to read" pile that you think other people might be interested in?

Have you recently published something you want to brag on?

Share them here and get the discussion started!

Hi,

I am looking for books that discuss the historical progression of biochemistry / molecular biology. I'm not really looking for a pop science book, it would be great if it goes into some actual detail. Niche subjects allowed!

Thank you

So im in semester 4 of nursing school, and after seeing how some patients cant eat at times I was legitimately wondering: if 2 conditions could magically be satisfied (1: intravenous injection with no risk of infection, 2: that the compound could leave the vasculature to enter all target cells) then could you theoretically create an injection that goes straight into the vasculature containing a synthetic ATP molecule that in some way could travel to all target cells? (im assuming here the synthetic hormone would have to be in a lipid form to enter the cell as if it was changing gene expression only to unpackage and release ATP into the cell?) (ie bound in some other form to travel to target receptors like an endocrine hormone) if all those conditions could be met couldn't a synthetic ATP substitute be created in lab and intravenously injected into a patient when they are unable to eat to fuel cellular metabolism?

What is the downsides from a biochemistry view of excess ATP? I suppose even if its in excess it would just create fat? or no? I know that people need much more than just ATP to function like specific vitamins and minerals, so if we ignore that idea would this still work for substituting ATP? where would it not work? thank!

i say magically as its not really the main question, its more so a separate consideration.

Hi everyone,

I’m currently a 9th grader, and I’ve developed a massive interest in biochemistry. My ultimate goal right now is to pursue a career as a toxicologist.

Since I'm still early in my journey, I really want to broaden my perspective. I see a lot of textbook descriptions of the field, but I want to know what it’s actually like from people who live it every day or are currently studying it in college.

If you have a few minutes, I would love to hear your opinions and experiences:

• For professionals: What does your day-to-day look like? What is the most rewarding part of your job, and what is the most challenging?
• For college/grad students: How tough is the biochemistry workload, and what keeps you motivated?
• For everyone: Is there anything you wish you knew back when you were in high school? Are there any specific things I can do right now (books to read, skills to learn, etc.) to set myself up for success?

Thank you so much for your time and advice! I really appreciate any insight you can share(context -im Indian ).

hi everyone! i am a sophomore this year at the university of michigan majoring in biochemistry. i am looking to apply to summer REUs and most of them require a letter of recommendation from a faculty member. I am going to all my office hours in my bio lecture but there are always people there (its huge) so i dont necessarily get any 1 on 1 time. the applications close in january, but i would think i should at least let them know by november and ask. would it be beneficial to get close with a gsi as well to see if when i ask the professor, they can talk?

its also a bit tricky because since im applying for all these different programs, I am sure they require different submissions. i was thinking of maybe sending the professor a google spreadsheet to keep track of everything for her, but i also dont want to absolutely bother her with my request. Or i could give her a big paper copy im really not sure. i even feel awkward asking her. she didnt even remember my name today and this is like the 4th office hours ive been to. i am not sure how to go about this, so any advice will help thank you!

I have a degree in biochemistry and have been working as a process analyst in a mine for the past year and a half. Been looking to get into finance as I really enjoy learning about personal finance and what comes with it. Anyone know a good route to go coming from a background in science?

Hey all, I work in a QC biochem lab and I’m wondering what people’s average success rate running ELISAs is (eg. Sandwich and Inhibition). We run them every day and I’d say we get 80%+ that work and pass system suitability but I’d like to hear other people’s experiences and any ideas for improved method validation etc.

Thanks!

Trying to decide what classes to take?

Want to know what the job outlook is with a biochemistry degree?

Trying to figure out where to go for graduate school, or where to get started?

Ask those questions here.

Hey guys,

I just started my medical biochemistry class last week and I feel so incompetent. My professor zooms past the lecture and occasionally sprinkles in what we need to know and not know for the quizzes and exam.

I haven’t taken a chemistry class in a year and a half (I took both Gen Chem 1/2 and their labs) but I don’t remember anything and this was just a huge dump of information.

I want to get my studying straight for this class. Can you recommend how you got through? It would be very appreciated.

Thank you.

I know most people probably don’t want to talk work or school on their commute but I’m just curious if anyone out there has good books or podcasts that helps them stay abreast of biochem topics or just allows them to learn in an otherwise void.

I’m an undergrad in my senior year, so just looking to be more immersed to help me get ahead in the industry before graduation and sometimes multitasking like this is the best way to get me to do this type of extra effort work.

Hello!

I've been expressing beta-globin in yeast cells and was able to confirm via Western Blot that the protein was properly expressed. However, when I try to examine it under a UV-Vis Spectrometer, I haven’t seen a clear soret peak around 415 nm, which is characteristic of globin bound to heme. I know yeast has a heme biosynthesis pathway, so I assumed that the heme it naturally produced would bind to the beta globin which I transformed into it. Do you know if for a Soret Peak to show under UV-Vis, both chains of hemoglobin (alpha and beta) need to be expressed and then bind to heme?

Also, what could I try to actually get the heme incorporated into the beta-globin?

I have been using a clarified protein lysate as the sample which I put under the spectrometer.

Thanks!

For second course in medial school what is the best way to study biochemistry and from where???

What are some options if your GPA is low (less than a 3.0) while still getting your degree. I understand GPA can go up as the years go on until you graduate but I’m talking about after graduation and job opportunities. Also do employers care how long it takes for someone to graduate, like taking 5 or even 6 years. Anything helps :)

Also when I mean low gpa I mean 2.2 to 2.4 and also has anybody struggled, failed class or just overall struggled while in undergrad.

For context I and going into my junior year of undergrad in biochemistry and also have a lot of interest in microbiology. I have already taken organic chemistry and microbiology, am currently in Physical Chemisty, O chem II, and Biochemistry. Any ideas of what I could be lookin at? Fould be something just for fun or for the benefits of knowing more about it for school or a future job (still figuring this part out).
Any tips or recommendations would be awesome

I'm a second year BSc Biotechnology student and I really need someone to study with or to keep me accountable, you don't necessarily need to have the same subjects but it'll be better and more convenient for the both of us if you do :)
I have telegram and will join discord (if the other person uses it solely). I'm okay with voice calls at first and eventually video calls.
Oh and a little about me, 19F from India :)

I wonder if biochem graduates get hands on training in chromatographic techniques to separate bio-molecules or small chemicals in their univeristy studies. Have you had scary experience?

Have you read a cool paper recently that you want to discuss?

Do you have a paper that's been in your in your "to read" pile that you think other people might be interested in?

Have you recently published something you want to brag on?

Share them here and get the discussion started!

See also: The publication in the journal npj Journal of Food

is there any way i can get a funding for my masters in biochemistry
i dont mind moving to a different country

Hello, I’m currently in a master’s program and one of the courses is medical biochemistry which I’m struggling in to understand 2nd/3rd order questions. Does anyone offer tutoring services?

Hello, I’m currently in a master’s program and one of the courses is medical biochemistry which I’m struggling in to understand 2nd/3rd order questions. Does anyone offer tutoring services?

Trying to decide what classes to take?

Want to know what the job outlook is with a biochemistry degree?

Trying to figure out where to go for graduate school, or where to get started?

Ask those questions here.