Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms.

It's a field that

bridges biology and chemistry, applying the principles of chemistry to understand the complex chemical
interactions that occur within living things. Biochemistry helps us understand how life works at the
molecular level.

Here are some of the key areas of study in biochemistry:

 Biomolecules: These are the molecules that make up living things, such as carbohydrates,
proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Biochemists study the structure, function, and metabolism of
these molecules.

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Biomolecules carbohydrates proteins lipids and nucleic acids

 Enzymes: These are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in cells. Enzymes are
essential for all living organisms, as they allow cells to carry out the thousands of chemical
reactions that are necessary for life.

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Enzymes biological catalysts

  Metabolism:This is the sum of all the chemical reactions that occur in living organisms.
Metabolism is essential for life, as it allows organisms to break down food for energy, build and
repair tissues, and eliminate waste products.

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Metabolism chemical reactions in living organisms

 Cellular respiration:This is the process by which cells convert glucose into ATP, which is the cell's
energy currency. Cellular respiration is an essential part of metabolism.

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Cellular respiration process

 Photosynthesis:This is the process by which plants and other photosynthetic organisms use
sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose. Photosynthesis is the primary source of
energy for most living things on Earth.
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Photosynthesis process

Biochemistry has a wide range of applications, including:

 Medicine: Biochemistry is used to develop new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tests. For
example, biochemists have developed drugs that target specific enzymes in cancer cells.

 Agriculture: Biochemistry is used to develop new crops that are more resistant to pests,
diseases, and herbicides. It is also used to develop crops that are more nutritious or have other
desirable qualities.

 Biotechnology: Biochemistry is used to create new products and processes for a variety of
industries. For example, biochemistry is used to produce biofuels and to develop new methods
for cleaning up pollution.

Understanding biochemistry is essential for understanding how living things work. It is a fascinating and
rapidly growing field with the potential to solve many of the world's most pressing problems.