Biochemistry is a branch of science that studies the chemical makeup of living things. It is the study of important chemical processes occurring within live organisms and deals with interactions between living organic cells and their surrounding fluids/matter.
Biochemistry is a branch of biology and chemistry that is further separated into three areas: metabolism, structural biology, and enzymology. These three alternatives had successfully explained the process of living by the end of the twentieth century.
It is the research into how living things are produced, how they function, and what chemicals they contain. It also examines the muscles and bones of the human body. Students can study how cells are produced and how blood works in a Biochemistry class.
Thus, biochemistry aids in the comprehension of the chemical base that gives rise to the process via biological molecules that occur between and inside living cells. This, in turn, pertains to the knowledge of tissues and organs, as well as the structure and functioning of organisms. As a result, biochemistry can also be described as the branch of molecular biology concerned with the molecular mechanisms underlying biological events.
Biochemistry is the study of biological macromolecules’ structures and interactions. Protein, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates are examples of macromolecules found in your body. As a result, biochemistry is now being employed in botany, medicine, and gene enhancement research. Biochemistry is currently attempting to unlock the mystery of life by determining how biological substances enhance the processes that take place within live cells. This research will aid in the comprehension of the entire functioning organism.
BioChemists can work in a variety of fields, including teaching, science, research, analytical chemistry, and forensic science. Let’s take a closer look into Biochemistry’s breadth.
Scope
The development of life that led us from microscopic microorganisms through apes, and finally to the people we are today. All of this research falls under one of Biochemistry’s branches. Furthermore, it is a research that is believed to be the natural language. All of the techniques used in medical science are biochemical in nature.
Genetic engineering, one of the most advanced fields of chemistry, is used in biotechnology. Biotechnology is used in medical science, animal farming, pathological research, and other fields.
Finally, one section we’d like to discuss is medical biochemistry, which is one of the most important branches of the entire discipline because it deals with both human health and sickness. Because of the anomalous behavior of chemicals and molecules existing in the human body, every condition that the human body encounters is biochemical.
1.Students interested in becoming BioChemists should begin by improving their F.Sc pre-med marks. The next stage is to enroll in a four-year bachelor’s programme to obtain a Biochemistry degree.
2.Proteins, carbohydrates, enzymes, amino acids, lipids, DNA, and RNA are among the key subjects studied by the students.
3.Both the government and the business sector can benefit from a BioChemist. They can even get support from doctors who know what they’re doing to set up their labs.
4.Biochemistry is currently quite prominent in research disciplines, therefore BioChemists can work on trending themes to write about and publish afterwards. They can also opt to become scientists or members of scientific organisations.
Let’s have a look at the many applications of biochemistry in various fields:-
1.Science of Medicine:– It is necessary to have a solid understanding of biochemistry in order to understand many parts of medical science such as drug development, immunology, pathology, pharmacy, vaccine development, and so on. After obtaining my bachelor’s degree in this field, I can work as a marketing executive for various pharmaceutical businesses or as a lab assistant for commercial or government organisations. One can also work as a medical coordinator for large pathology chains or as a medical transcriptionist for various healthcare organisations.
Biochemistry’s main application area is clinical testing performed in clinical laboratories. As a result, one can work as a pathologist in diagnostic centres that deal with patient diagnoses, monitoring, and screening. Genetic Engineering, often known as recombinant DNA technology, is a branch of biochemistry that deals with the production of vaccines. After earning a Masters in Biochemistry, one can work as a researcher in a large pharmaceutical company’s research and development department.
2.Agriculture:- It is critical to have a thorough understanding of biochemistry in order to comprehend the chemistry and biology of crops and medicinal plants. Plant science is the study of plants. A student’s interest in biochemistry will lead to a career as a plant scientist in the future. The primary goal of a plant scientist is to generate high-yield crops, isolate medicinal components from plants, and build disease-resistant crops. After having a good understanding of plant tissue culture, one can open their own independent firm or nursery.
3.Food industry:– The nutrition value of the food that is being consumed can be assessed by the biochemist doing the biochemical tests to assist nutritionists in explaining the various aspects of health associated to food consumption. In addition, the food analyzer conducts numerous investigations to ensure that carbs, proteins, and fats are properly measured. They also have the expertise and knowledge to detect numerous food-industry adulterations. A food security officer is a highly essential job potential for current Biochemistry students.
3.Academician: After completing a master’s degree, one can apply for a B.Ed to teach the topic or seek a PhD to work as a professor at colleges and universities. Various government occupations, such as Patent officer, Scientific Officer (BARC, DRDO, and ISRO), Epidemiologist, Forest officer, and Food Security Officer, can be an excellent fit for students earning a master’s degree in Biochemistry.
Biochemistry’s Importance
In our daily lives, we need to know about biochemistry. It benefits agriculture, medicine, and medical treatment. The following are some of the reasons why Biochemistry is so important:
1.Biochemistry can assist you in increasing agricultural yields.
2.It is necessary for improving land quality by conserving vegetables and flowers, as well as assisting in the production and storage of food materials.
3.The effects of multiple genes, as well as their interactions with enzymes, must be understood.
4.It can be used to figure out what animals need in terms of nutrition. It helps to ensure enough nutrition and the prevention of malnutrition.
5.Geneticists use metabolic reactions to study heredity in plants and animals.
6.In the pharmaceutical business, it aids in the discovery of novel medications.
7.It explains how to use medications properly and consiously .
8.It is useful in the treatment of both humans and animals who are ill.
9.It contributes to the development of good animal breeds and nutrition, as well as the investigation of herbicide and pesticide activities.
Application of Biochemistry
The following are some examples of agricultural applications:-
1.Boost agricultural fertility: The study of biochemistry can aid to increase the crop’s fertility. Biochemistry instruments are used by the agriculturist to determine the state of the plants and then experiment to increase their fertility.
2.Increased Plant Growth: A biochemist examines the response between pesticides and crops in the cell to see if it contributes to increased plant growth.
3.Disease control: Biochemistry, because to its adaptability, offers a wide range of remedies to aid in the control of plant diseases. A number of the procedures employed in Biochemistry include the exclusion and removal of disease plants.
4.Animal husbandry :- It is the cultivation and growth of domestic animals in an appropriate manner. Experts employ a variety of biochemistry tools to diagnose disease in these animals and provide appropriate treatment.
5.Soil conditions: Biochemistry tools are used to understand the soil condition, composition, and deficiency. As a result, the emphasis here is on improving the soil’s condition and working on it.
Medicinal applications:-
1.Blood test: The serum test for diagnosing hepatitis is one of the most important blood tests in which biochemistry plays an important role. The majority of biochemistry methods are used to analyse the qualitative and quantitative functions of the liver. It also examines the level of blood sugar in human blood. It also aids in the completion of a urine test to identify kittens, where the complete blood count reflects a patient’s overall health. All of these tests have something to do with biochemistry.
2.Liver test: Knowing a few Biochemistry tools is essential for understanding and assisting a patient’s liver disease. The same PCR test is utilised for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Biochemistry techniques are also employed to diagnose HCC.
3.Pregnancy test: Biochemistry tests and techniques are used to determine whether or not a woman is pregnant. A urine test is necessary to determine the amount of gonadotropin hormone produced by the body. To determine whether or not a woman is pregnant, a blood test known as the HCG test is performed. It represents the starting level of human gonadotropin, which grows throughout the pregnancy.
4.Kidney function: A basic urine test that analyses the pH and colour of the urine that changes during kidney disorders is performed using a variety of Biochemistry equipment.
5.AFP test: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a marker that is used to assess a patient’s liver function and determine whether the patient has liver malfunction or is suffering from liver cancer.
CONCLUSION:-
So to conclude Biochemistry is a branch of science that is used to learn about the biological processes that occur in cells and organisms. It is possible to use biochemistry to investigate the properties of biological molecules for a range of reasons.