Biochemistry

Sometimes abbreviated as BioChem, it is the study of chemical processes in living organisms. Biochemistry governs all living organisms and living processes. By controlling information flow through biochemical signalling and the flow of chemical energy through metabolism, biochemical processes give rise to the seemingly magical phenomenon of life.

Much of biochemistry deals with the structures and functions of cellular components such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules, although increasingly processes rather than individual molecules are the main focus.

Over the last 40 years, biochemistry has become so successful at explaining living processes that now almost all areas of the life sciences—from botany to medicine—are engaged in biochemical research. Today, the main focus of pure biochemistry is in understanding how biological molecules give rise to the processes that occur within living cells, which in turn relates greatly to the study and understanding of whole organisms.