What is Biochemistry?

Biochemistry is the study of the chemicals and chemistry of living organisms. Biochemists study biomolecules (such as proteins, RNA, DNA, sugars, and lipids), their applications and interactions in the body, and biochemical and metabolic processes. Biochemists apply their knowledge to design drugs, genetically engineer plants and microbes, and understand more about how life works at the molecular level. The field of biochemistry is very broad, incorporating aspects of biology with physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry. This broadness means biochemists can choose a specific area to specialize in and that biochemistry degree holders can seek positions beyond research and development. Because biochemistry and molecular biology are interdisciplinary, a degree in biochemistry offers plenty of career options besides working as a biochemist or molecular biologist. The chemical knowledge acquired on the path to biochemistry can be applied to other chemical disciplines such as organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, food chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and more. Before anything else, biochemists must purify and identify the protein or compound they are analyzing. Purification techniques such as column chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography are common techniques. Chemistry-focused identification techniques include mass spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Biochemists who perform chemical synthesis apply synthetic techniques from organic and inorganic chemistry to design and synthesize therapeutics. Molecular biology, the study of the structure and function of biomolecules, is by far the most important aspect of biology for a biochemist. Biochemists isolate proteins and nucleic acids using biological blotting techniques like Western blotting or special chromatography techniques such as ion exchange chromatography. Microbiology and plant biology alongside genetics and epigenetics are employed by genetic engineers to bioengineer bacteria that produces insulin or resilient crops that yield more food or nutrients. Some choose to focus their study on the structure, function, evolution, and mapping of genomes to be informed about them or to identify industrially or environmentally helpful genes.