Biochemistry Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Biochemistry?

Biochemistry is the scientific study of the structure, composition, and chemical reactions of substances in living organisms. It is a field that combines biology and chemistry to investigate how molecules interact within living systems. Biochemistry also studies how cells use biochemical processes to produce energy, create new molecules, and maintain homeostasis. The discoveries made through biochemistry have had a tremendous impact on medicine, agriculture, nutrition, and other areas related to health care.The history of biochemistry dates back to ancient times when people first began studying plants for medicinal purposes. In the 19th century, scientists such as Justus von Liebig developed techniques for isolating individual chemicals from sources like blood or urine samples. Through research into these chemicals it was discovered that many biochemical processes were responsible for life’s functions such as respiration and digestion. In the 20th century advancements in technology allowed scientists to delve even deeper into biochemistry by developing tools like X-ray crystallography which helped them understand molecular structures at an atomic level; nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy which allowed them to identify different types of atoms; and chromatography which enabled them to separate complex mixtures into their component parts. These advances greatly widened our understanding of life processes leading to breakthroughs in fields such as genetics and molecular biology where scientists can now sequence entire genomes or genetically modify organisms with precision accuracy never before achievable. Today biochemists are researching a wide range of topics including metabolic pathways involving enzymes used by cells; protein folding; regulation mechanisms controlling gene expression; drug design targeting specific proteins involved in disease states; enzyme inhibitors blocking key steps during various biochemical reactions; DNA replication/repair/transcription control mechanisms used by cells so they can accurately copy genetic information during cell division events; nutrition science focused on food components needed for optimal health etc. It is clear that Biochemistry has been essential in unlocking the mysteries behind life itself allowing us access into its secrets which have previously remained hidden from us .