What is Biochemistry?

An Introduction to Biochemistry covers large segments of molecular biology and cell biology. It is applicable to the molecules that form the structure of organs and cells, referred to as molecular anatomy.

Biochemistry explains carbon compounds and their reactions in living organisms, and also discusses molecular physiology, which is the role of molecules in meeting the needs of cells and organs.

Biochemistry was introduced to us by Carl Neuberg, the father of biochemistry in the year 1930. This field combines biology as well as chemistry to study the chemical structure of a living organism. Biochemists investigate the chemical reactions and combinations which are involved in various processes like reproduction, heredity, metabolism, and growth, thus performing research in different kinds of laboratories.

Major Areas of Biochemistry

Structural biochemistry, which is a major area of biochemistry, involves the study of macromolecules and their chemical composition. It is also necessary to conduct an in-depth examination of DNA, RNA, and proteins.

Enzymology

Enzymes are also known as biological catalysts. Enzymology is the branch of biochemistry dedicated to the study of enzymes and their behavior. For example, it includes topics such as RNA, proteins, coenzymes, and co-factors, such as vitamins. The reaction kinetics, interactions involved in the transition state of enzymes-substrate, mechanism of catalysis, enzymatic expression, regulation, and activities of enzymes - are all studied at a biochemical level.

Xenobiotics

This major area of biochemistry involves the study of the metabolic behavior of certain compounds. The chemical structure of these compounds is improper in the usual metabolism for a particular organism. While entering the human body, these compounds are likely to be secondary metabolites of some other organisms, non-existent in nature, or infrequent compounds.

Bio-Organic Chemistry

This area of biochemistry involves the study of organic compounds derived from living organisms. These compounds are identified by their carbon-hydrogen and carbon-carbon covalent bonds.

Most of the carbon biological compounds are studied in bio-organic chemistry. This area of biochemistry integrates a sense of reaction mechanisms, organic synthesis, analytical methods, and structural analysis, with primary and secondary metabolic reactions, cell recognition, biosynthesis, and chemical diversity of organisms.

Metabolic Biochemistry

Bioenergetics, nutritional biochemistry and clinical biochemistry are all disciplines that stem from metabolic biochemistry, a field of biochemistry that covers the study of metabolic pathways from an organic and cellular standpoint.

This branch of biochemistry looks into the organic biochemical indices, the cellular biochemical reactions, the molecular basis of metabolic diseases, and the intermediate metabolic flows.

Scope of Biochemistry

A Bio-chemist is well-suited to work in both the public and private sectors. Furthermore, with the assistance of knowledgeable physicians, it is possible to establish laboratories.

Today, biochemistry is a highly sought-after field of research, giving biochemists the opportunity to work on and publish current topics. They can be individual scientists or join a scientific group.

Now let us have a look at the wide scope of Biochemistry in different fields:-

Food Industry

Biochemists can assess the nutritional value of the food consumed by running biochemical tests, in order to help the nutritionists better convey the different aspects of health-related to food consumption.

Also, the food analyst performs various studies that perform the proper measurement of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They also have the skills and knowledge to find out various adulterations done in the food industry. A food security officer is an essential job prospect for present Biochemistry students.

Medical Science

In order to understand various aspects of medical science like drug development, immunology, pathology, pharmacy, vaccine development, etc. it is important to have a thorough knowledge of Biochemistry.

After completing a bachelor's in biochem, one can look to pursue a career as a marketing executive in different pharmaceutical companies or as a lab assistant in private or government organizations. Also one can also become a medical coordinator for big pathology chains and various medical transcriptionists for different healthcare groups.

Clinical tests conducted in clinical laboratories are the main application area of Biochemistry. So one can join as a pathologist in diagnostic centers relating to diagnostics, monitoring, and screening of patients.

Another advanced part of Biochemistry is Genetic Engineering or Recombinant DNA Technology which deals with the development of several vaccinations. Thus one can pursue a career as a researcher in a research and development department within a big pharmaceutical company after completing a Master's in Biochemistry.

Agriculture

To understand the chemistry and the Biology of crops and medical plants, it is very important to have detailed knowledge of Biochemistry.  The study of plant Biochemistry will lead a student to become a plant scientist in the future.

The main job of the plant scientist is to work towards developing high-yield crops, isolating medical components from plants as well as producing disease-resistant crops. After gaining thorough knowledge about the tissue culture of plants one can set up an independent firm or nursery.

Academician

After the master's, one can apply for B.Ed to become a teacher of the subject or can further pursue a Ph.D. to become a professor in colleges and universities. Different govt. jobs like a Patent officer, Scientific Officer (BARC, DRDO, and ISRO), Epidemiologist, Forest officer, and Food security officer can be very good options for the student currently pursuing masters in Biochemistry.

Benefits of  Studying Biochemistry

Specialization

Biochemistry is quite versatile and lends itself to many industries and specializations if you prefer to work in the corporate field or continue studying and researching a specialized subject.

To provide further flexibility, some universities offer the ability to combine biochemistry with other biomolecular science courses so you can develop your interests and specialism as part of your biochemistry degree. Combined programs include immunology, microbiology, and pharmacology.

Transferable skills

To successfully gain employment upon graduation, you need more than your degree, you need transferable skills you can relate to the role you are applying for.

With biochemistry, you will learn problem-solving, data analysis, process creation, and project management - key skills in any career you choose. This means that you can apply for a wider range of jobs when you’re ready to start job hunting. Biochemistry graduates don’t just work in laboratories, many go on to work in finance, business, or education to name a few.

Innovation

Studying biochemistry means finding new ways to look at how systems work and trying new ideas. This is a valuable skill in both life and work which will elevate you as a job candidate.

Learning to see things from a new perspective can lead to unique opportunities. The process of testing theories will prepare you to make improvements in your chosen field, whether that’s medical drug development, genome sequencing, food and agricultural changes or something completely different.