The chemistry of living organisms and of the changes occurring therein.
The study of chemical processes that comprise living things (systems). The chemistry of life and living matter. Despite the dramatic differences in the appearances of living things, the basic chemistry of all organisms is strikingly similar. Even tiny one-celled creatures carry out essentially the same chemical reactions that each cell of a complex organism (such as man) carries out.
The science concerned with chemical actions of living things.
Study of chemical processes in living organisms.
The study of chemistry involving biological processes. Biochemistry is the scientific study of substances found in living organisms, as well as the chemical reactions involved in life processes. Biochemists use the tools and concepts of chemistry to understand and explain living systems. A particular focus of biochemistry is the living cell and the various chemical reactions that allow it to grow, store energy, maintain itself, and reproduce.
The chemistry of living things; the science of the chemical changes accompanying the vital functions of plants and animals.
Biochemistry is a scientific discipline that investigates the chemical intricacies of living organisms, encompassing human beings. The human body comprises countless cells that necessitate nutrients and energy to sustain their functions, undergo growth, replication, and eventual demise. Biochemists, the experts in this field, delve into the chemical processes involved in supplying cells with energy, eliminating waste materials, facilitating repair mechanisms, fostering cell growth, and regulating both normal and abnormal cell division.
The preservation of life relies on an extensive array of chemical reactions that occur within cells. These interconnected reactions form the intricate metabolic system of the body. Catabolism refers to the set of reactions involved in energy production and the breakdown of food and body structures, while anabolism encompasses the reactions responsible for building and storing food as well as constructing body structures. Hormones, secreted into the bloodstream by endocrine glands, play a vital role in regulating these chemical processes as a whole. Enzymes, which are substances that facilitate biochemical reactions, are responsible for the regulation of individual reactions within the body.
Numerous essential chemical processes occur within every individual cell of the body. Additionally, there are more specialized chemical processes that are limited to specific cells found within the tissues of particular organs. For instance, liver cells are responsible for storing and chemically modifying the digestion products derived from food. Kidney cells, on the other hand, play a crucial role in regulating the levels of various substances, such as certain minerals, in the blood, while also maintaining the overall fluid balance within the body.
There exists a continuous exchange of substances between the fluids within cells and the bloodstream and urine. By consistently collecting and comparing accurate measurements of minerals, gases, enzymes, hormones, and proteins present in the various bodily fluids, biochemists can gain valuable insights into the chemical transformations taking place inside the body’s cells. This process enables a comprehensive understanding of the intricate biochemical processes occurring within the body.
Biochemical tests play a vital role in diagnosing or verifying medical conditions, as well as in screening for specific diseases and monitoring their advancement. Blood tests are the most frequently conducted biochemical examinations, encompassing liver function tests and kidney function tests. However, biochemical tests can also be conducted on urine and various other bodily fluids, providing valuable insights into an individual’s health status and aiding in the assessment of disease progression.