Definition

1. Noun:
   • The branch of science that studies the chemical substances and processes that occur within living organisms: Biochemistry focuses on understanding the molecular basis of life, including the structure and function of cellular components like proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates.
   • The chemical composition and processes of a particular living organism or biological phenomenon: This meaning refers to the specific biochemical characteristics of a system.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She decided to major in biochemistry to study the chemistry of the human body.
  • Advances in biochemistry have led to the development of new medications.
  • The biochemistry of photosynthesis is a complex series of reactions.

Advanced Usage

• "The biochemistry of...": Used to specify the biochemical processes of a particular subject.
  • Researchers are studying the biochemistry of aging to understand its molecular mechanisms.

Variants and Related Words

• Biochemical (adj): Relating to biochemistry.
  • The biochemical pathway is essential for energy production.
• Biochemist (n): A scientist who specializes in biochemistry.
  • The biochemist isolated a new enzyme from the cell culture.

Synonyms

• Biological chemistry: (Formal synonym) The chemistry of biological systems.
• Molecular biology: (A closely related, overlapping field) The study of the molecular basis of biological activity, often involving biochemistry.

Related Phrases

• Clinical biochemistry: The application of biochemical knowledge to medical practice, such as analyzing blood tests.
  • The lab specializes in clinical biochemistry for disease diagnosis.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. the organic chemistry of compounds and processes occurring in organisms; the effort to understand biology within the context of chemistry