35 Amazing Biochemistry Facts For Future Biochemists

Gincy Alphonse
Dec 12, 2022 By Gincy Alphonse
Originally Published on Feb 09, 2022
Edited by Rhian Morgan
Fact-checked by Niyati Parab
Read these biochemistry facts which will spark your interest in this interesting field.

Biochemistry is the foundation of all biological functions.

It has helped to explain the causes of a wide range of diseases in living beings. Biochemistry also has uncovered treatments for illnesses.

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical reactions that result in the synthesis of small building-block molecules. Biochemistry is very important because of its diversity, and discoveries in this branch of research have been remarkable over the past 100 years. Genetics, forensics, microbiology, plant science, and health are only some of the scientific fields covered by biochemistry.

Have you been interested in finding out a little about biochemistry? Do you want to find out if it's a subject you'd like to study, or do you just want to learn some interesting facts? Then read on to find out more.

What is biochemistry?

The study of various chemical reactions and vital functions in living organisms is known as biochemistry. It is a laboratory-based science that incorporates biology and chemistry. For further explanations, read on:

  • The name 'biochemistry' was coined by Carl Neuber.
  • It essentially combines elements from biology and chemistry and it can be called biological chemistry.
  • Enzymes, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, sugars, lipids, and proteins are all included in the study of biochemistry.
  • Nucleic acids are divided into two types: DNA and RNA molecules.
  • Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA.
  • The organic building blocks of an RNA molecule are the four bases (adenine, cytosine, uracil, and guanine) and sugar (ribose).
  • Living beings do more than just break down small molecules, they also produce complex molecules like protein.
  • Proteins are amino-acid polymers, and these come in a variety of forms.
  • In terms of nutrition, the nine essential amino acids are obtainable by a single complete protein. A complete protein, by definition, contains all the essential amino acids, and is usually found in meat. Incomplete proteins are found in plant products.
  • Sugars and starches are examples of carbohydrates, while the simplest carbs are sugars.
  • Lipids are stored as a source of energy in the human body.
  • Lipid molecules are made to release energy when the body requires a substantial amount of it.
  • All cellular life is made up of thousands of chemical reactions known as metabolism, which converts the molecules consumed into energy so that it helps cells survive.
  • Biochemists can identify and treat biological functioning by applying chemical processes and methods.
  • Biochemistry is linked to molecular biology, and that is the study of biological molecules on a molecular basis.
  • Biochemistry is dealing with processes that occur at the molecular level.
  • It analyses elements such as proteins, organelles, and lipids to see what's going on within our cells.
  • It also studies how living cells respond to one another, such as during evolution or in the fight against the disease.
  • Biochemists must know how smaller molecules' structures relate to their actions in order to predict how components will communicate.

Role Of Biochemistry In Health Care

If you are interested in finding out more about its role in medicine, read on:

  • Biochemistry is a branch of biology and science that studies biochemical processes in living things, such as metabolism and the chemical production of various complex and small molecules.
  • Biochemistry aids in the comprehension of biochemical changes and physiological changes in the body during disease.
  • Doctors are trained to work out biochemical changes and related illnesses based on the symptoms mentioned by the patient.
  • Hormonal imbalance causes a variety of illnesses, particularly in women and children.
  • In biochemistry, the role of hormones in body processes is taught so that doctors can understand various conditions.
  • Other biological sciences, such as psychology, molecular biology, genetics, and chemical biology, rely heavily on biochemistry.
  • Medical scientists work with materials that are similar to those used by biochemists, but they do it to improve overall human health.

Important Contributions Of Biochemistry In Science

Biochemistry is crucial for medical science to exist. Biochemistry has had a strong connection with medicine since Eduard Buchner's discovery in 1897 that a cell-free sample of yeast can ferment sugars.

  • In order to adequately grasp the growth of a human body, everyone working in medicine must acquire appropriate biochemical understanding.
  • Biochemistry has expanded our knowledge of how biochemical changes correspond to physiological changes in the body in physiology.
  • It assists us in understanding the chemical components of biological processes including hormone function, digestion, and muscle activation.
  • Since many diseases have molecular mechanisms, biochemistry allows us to know more about the molecular processes in underlying conditions such as diabetes, jaundice, kidney, cancer, and many other conditions.
  • Medical biochemistry, biology, viruses, and plant biochemistry are among the topics covered in a bachelor's degree in biochemistry.
  • The study of biochemistry takes dedication to study and comprehend all the molecular processes and reactions that take place inside our bodies.
  • A biochemist's ability to thrive and succeed in a lab environment depends on their attention to detail, capability to work in a team, and solid communication skills.
  • A biochemistry degree can lead to a variety of industry jobs and research in fields like medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.

Nobel Prize Winners In Biochemistry

Between the years 1901 and 2021, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been given 113 times to 188 Nobel Prize laureates. Out of them, one laureate was awarded the prize twice. Read on to find out more:

  • English biochemist Frederick Sanger has been the only Nobel Prize winner so far to have won the prize twice, in 1958 and 1980.
  • Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin was awarded the Nobel for identifying key structures of essential biological compounds using X-ray methods.
  • For their scientific research on G-protein-coupled sensors, Brian K. Kobilka and Robert J. Lefkowitz received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
  • For their discoveries of equipment regulating particle traffic, a vital transport system in our bodies, James Rothman, Thomas Südhof, and Randy Schekman shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

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Sources

https://wiki.kidzsearch.com/wiki/Biochemistry

https://www.britannica.com/science/biochemistry/Areas-of-study

https://learn.org/articles/Biochemist_Your_Salary_and_Career_Questions_Answered.html

https://kids.kiddle.co/Biochemistry

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Written by Gincy Alphonse

Bachelor of Computer Application

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Gincy AlphonseBachelor of Computer Application

As a skilled visual storyteller, Gincy's passion lies in bringing ideas to life through creative design. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Application from New Horizon College and has perfected her expertise with a PG Diploma in Graphic Design from Arena Animation. Gincy's talent shines in the realm of branding design, digital imaging, layout design, and print and digital content writing. She believes that content creation and clear communication are art forms in themselves, and is constantly striving to refine her craft.

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Fact-checked by Niyati Parab

Bachelor of Commerce

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Niyati ParabBachelor of Commerce

With a background in digital marketing, Niyati brings her expertise to ensure accuracy and authenticity in every piece of content. She has previously written articles for MuseumFacts, a history web magazine, while also handling its digital marketing. In addition to her marketing skills, Niyati is fluent in six languages and has a Commerce degree from Savitribai Phule Pune University. She has also been recognized for her public speaking abilities, holding the position of Vice President of Education at the Toastmasters Club of Pune, where she won several awards and represented the club in writing and speech contests at the area level.

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