Biochemistry is the study of the structure, composition and chemical
reactions of substances in living organisms. It is an interdisciplinary
program in which the principles of chemistry, biology, genetics, mathematics
and physics is applied to the study or investigations of biomolecules,
atoms, organelles, cells, tissues and organisms. Biochemistry is often
defined as the 'chemistry of life' because it aims to explore and understand
aspects of life. It is a branch of chemistry, which is concerned with
the biological processes taking place in cells and organisms. Hence study
of biochemistry deals with the chemical combinations and reactions which
take place in biological processes such as growth, metabolism, reproduction,
heredity etc, as well as the effect of environment on living organisms.
The discipline can be used to study the properties of, as well as find
uses for biological molecules. Biochemistry provide the basis for biotechnology
and molecular biology techniques, ranging from biomolecular computation
and modeling, to regulation of gene expression.
Those who study the chemistry of living beings are called Biochemists.
Biochemists study the elements, compounds and chemical reactions that
are controlled by enzymes and take place in living organisms. Biochemists
get into the most minute characteristics of living organisms. They delve
deep into the structures and functions of biomolecules such as enzymes,
proteins, carbohydrates, fats and other numerous processes related to
metabolism of mankind. They are involved in production of biochemical
products by experimenting, analyzing and researching. They undertake experiments
and do research to study biochemical changes and also functioning of genes.
They may be identifying the way in which DNA, which carries the genetic
information, is transferred between cells and can be manipulated.
Biochemistry contributes to advances in a wide variety of areas, including
health, agriculture and environment. Biochemistry finds application in
clinical and forensic science and in the food and pharmacological industries.
Biochemistry is the key player in modern biomedical research, as biochemists
contribute to the design of new drugs. Biochemists working in medicine
are sometimes called Molecular biologists. They study bacteria, viruses
and other organisms to understand the chemical basis of life. They also
determine the effects of chemicals on medical problems such as cancer,
aging or obesity.
