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Biochemical Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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biochemical

[baษชoสŠหˆkษ›mษชkษ™l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

scientific context

Biochemical refers to the branch of science that deals with the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms. This term encompasses the study of molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. It is integral to understanding biological functions and processes at a molecular level.

Synonyms

biological, chemical, physiological.

Examples of usage

  • Biochemical pathways are crucial for metabolism.
  • She conducts biochemical research on enzymes.
  • The biochemical analysis revealed the presence of toxins.
  • His thesis focused on biochemical signaling mechanisms.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Biochemical pathways are series of chemical reactions happening within cells, crucial for metabolism.
  • Enzymes, essential in biochemical processes, are proteins that speed up reactions in our bodies.
  • DNA and RNA are examples of biochemicals that carry genetic information necessary for life.

Health

  • Biochemical markers are used to diagnose diseases; for example, blood tests can reveal cholesterol levels.
  • Research in biochemistry has led to the development of antibiotics and vaccines that improve health.
  • Understanding biochemical processes helps in figuring out how to treat conditions like diabetes and cancer.

Literature

  • Biochemical studies are often central in science fiction, exploring themes of genetic engineering and synthetic life.
  • Books about biochemistry link basic chemical processes to broader concepts, showing their impact on society.
  • Notable authors, like Richard Dawkins, discuss biochemical evolution and its significance in natural selection.

Environmental Impact

  • Biochemical cycles, like the carbon cycle, illustrate how substances move between living and non-living parts of the environment.
  • Biochemistry plays a role in environmental science, impacting how we understand pollution and ecological health.
  • Research in biochemistry can lead to bioremediation, using organisms to clean up environmental contaminants.

Origin of 'biochemical'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'bio-', meaning life, from the Greek 'bios,' and 'chemical,' pertaining to substances and reactions.
  • First used in the early 20th century, the term marks the intersection of biology and chemistry as sciences.
  • The concept emphasized the understanding of life through the lens of chemical interactions.

The term 'biochemical' originated in the late 19th century, combining 'bio-', from the Greek word 'bios', meaning 'life', with 'chemical', derived from the word 'chemistry'. The prefix 'bio-' emphasizes the biological aspect of chemistry as it relates to living organisms. The evolution of biochemistry as a distinct scientific discipline began in the 20th century, particularly following developments in molecular biology and genetics. This marked a shift in focus toward understanding the molecular underpinnings of life processes, leading to groundbreaking discoveries in areas such as metabolism, enzymology, and genetic expression. Today, biochemistry is a fundamental field within the life sciences, often intersecting with medicine, nutrition, and environmental science.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,856 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.