Concept in Definition ABC
Miscellanea / / July 04, 2021
By Florencia Ucha, in Sep. 2013
The word biochemistry we use it to refer to everything that associated or proper to Biochemistry, that is, to any biochemical phenomenon that takes place.
Branch of chemistry that studies the chemical composition and transformation suffered by the molecules of living beings
The Biochemistry is that branch of Chemistry that deals especially with the study of the composition and chemical transformations that undergo living beings at the behest of their molecules and that make up cells and tissues, capable of producing modifications in the metabolism, such is the case of photosynthesis, immunity and digestion, among others. .
That is to say, from a purely chemical point of view, Biochemistry, delves into the structure and functions of the organisms alive.
Organic substances produce chemical reactions that influence vital processes
Because the substances found in the organisms of living beings will cause chemical reactions that affect their vital processes.
Everything inherent to the chemical basis of the nature of living beings is addressed by this discipline.
The protein, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, some small molecules arranged in cells are some of the objects of study of this discipline.
For example, biochemistry research will focus on the properties of proteins that are mostly enzymes; on the biological properties of lipids and carbohydrates, exclusive topics of lipobiology and glycobiology, respectively.
Meanwhile, biochemistry focuses its attention on their chemical reactions, which are what allow energy to be achieved and biomolecules to develop.
On the other hand, Biochemistry maintains that all living beings have carbon in their constitution.
The methodology of this science is experimental since it focuses on the events that occur in the subcellular plane, while the techniques it implements are used in laboratories, a specialized space in which experiments, analyzes and conclusions are carried out with the most appropriate resources for each case.
Origins and the decoding of the human genome its great contribution
The scientific origin of this discipline is located towards late nineteenth century, more precisely in the year 1893, which was the year the French-born physicist Anselme Payen discovered the first protein enzyme called diastaseAlthough, it should be noted that notions on this matter existed since prehistoric times.
Among the great contributions of this discipline to science stands out the decoding the human genome, made up of a sequence of DNA It has 23 pairs of chromosomes.
Collaboration with other sciences
It is worth mentioning that biochemistry is a great contributor to other important areas such as medicine, biology, genetics, pharmacology, agri-food and biotechnology, from the molecular perspective.
Even from its perspective and bases it is possible to delve into the cure and treatment of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, genetic conditions, allergies, and in so many other problems that affect humanity, such is the case of climate change, the scarce presence of agri-food resources, the depletion of fossil fuels, among others.
Undoubtedly, then, this scientific discipline has tremendous relevance when it comes to addressing current problems inherent to health, and diseases of the future, such as new forms of allergies and genetic diseases unknown until today, also intervening in the issue of climate change, the increase in the world's population and its counterpart of the depletion of fossil fuel reserves and the scarcity of food.
Contributions to technology and medicine
Therefore, biochemistry is a science that has a huge future in the scientific field and with regard to its contributions to biomedicine and biotechnology, however, it is important to say that all the work carried out must be guided and governed by bioethics to avoid falling into dilemmas morals.
It is precisely bioethics that has the enormous task of being a link between the development of technology and responsibility of humanity with regard to its intervention and manipulation of the human being and the natural environment.
Her job involves formulating moral principles that govern the conduct of man with his neighbor and also with the rest of living beings and the natural environments with which he interacts in this world.
Woman who is professionally engaged in biochemistry
And we also designate as biochemist that woman who is professionally dedicated to biochemistryshe, that is, she has studied according to that degree, she has graduated and then develops a professional task linked to this, for example, in an analysis laboratory, in the industrial area, or in the field investigative.
Topics in Biochemistry