Biochemistry is a field of chemistry that studies the chemical makeup of living organisms. It explores the interactions between living cells and their surrounding environments, along with the essential chemical processes that occur within these organisms.
Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes and substances within living organisms. It merges the principles of biology and chemistry to understand the molecular mechanisms that drive life.
Carl Neuberg, regarded as the father of biochemistry, introduced the term. In 1930, investigated chemical reactions essential to life processes such as growth, reproduction, metabolism, and heredity. Their research spans diverse laboratory settings, from academic institutions to clinical and industrial labs.
Biochemistry encompasses extensive areas of molecular biology and cell biology. It on the molecules that make up the structure of cells and organs, a field known as molecular anatomy, and examines the chemical reactions of carbon compounds within living organisms. Furthermore, it explores molecular physiology, which describes how these molecules operate to fulfil the functions and requirements of cells and organs.
At its core, biochemistry examines the structure and function of biomolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, which is why it is often referred to as Molecular Biology.
Biochemistry is a dynamic field with several specialised branches:
Other branches include Genetics, Animal and Plant Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Chemistry, Genetic Engineering, Endocrinology, Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Neurochemistry, Nutritional Biochemistry, Environmental Biochemistry, Photosynthesis, and Toxicology.
Biochemistry acts as the gap between biology and chemistry and plays a pivotal role in health, agriculture, environmental science, and biotechnology advancements. Understanding biochemistry is key to unlocking the mysteries of life at the molecular level.
Biochemistry is essential because it helps us:
(Session 2025 - 26)