Biochemistry is a branch of science that combines biology and chemistry to study the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms. It focuses on the chemical structures and functions of biological molecules, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, and their interactions within cells and organisms.
Enzymology: Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions in cells. Biochemists study the structure, function, and regulation of enzymes and their roles in metabolic pathways.
Metabolism: Biochemists investigate the chemical reactions and pathways involved in the conversion of nutrients into energy and the synthesis of biomolecules. They study metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
Molecular genetics: Biochemists examine the structure and function of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and their role in storing and transmitting genetic information. They also study processes such as DNA replication, transcription, and translation.
Proteomics: This field focuses on the large-scale study of proteins, including their structure, function, and interactions. Biochemists use techniques such as mass spectrometry to identify and analyze proteins.
Bioenergetics: Biochemists study the energy transformations that occur in living organisms, including how energy is stored and released during metabolic processes, such as photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
Structural biology: This area involves determining the three-dimensional structures of biological molecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, using techniques like X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Understanding the structure of biomolecules helps in understanding their function and designing drugs to target specific proteins.
