What is Biochemistry?

Biochemistry Definition

Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of the reactions of life. More specifically, in studying biochemistry, we can stand in awe of God’s Creation as we learn the chemical details of the four main molecules of life (proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates). We also learn about metabolic pathways that synthesize these molecules and metabolic pathways that break them down for energy as well as the ways that these pathways are exquisitely regulated. Biochemistry is also closely related to molecular biology, which is the study of the molecular mechanisms in biological systems.

In Biochemistry, we also learn about and develop research methods to uncover more and more about the complexity of life. Biochemists are employed in hospitals, universities, biotechnology companies, food and pharmaceutical institutes and crime forensic labs. They work with physicists, chemists, engineers, and policy makers to add to our understanding of health and disease and develop new technologies to improve life. So much about the chemistry of life has been discovered so far, and there is also much that remains to be discovered as a student of Biochemistry!

Learn More About Biochemistry

Houston Christian University offers a degree in Biochemistry-Molecular Biology in which you can study biochemistry and molecular biology and how it applies to your life.