What does biochemistry mean?
Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical substances and processes that take place inside living organisms. It sits at the intersection of biology and chemistry, examining how molecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids drive the functions of life — from metabolism and cell signaling to DNA replication. The word can also refer to the particular chemical makeup and reactions of a single organism, tissue, or process, as in 'the biochemistry of stress.' Biochemistry is a formal, academic term most at home in universities, research laboratories, hospitals, and textbooks, where it underpins fields like medicine, genetics, pharmacology, and nutrition. Because it bridges two foundational sciences, the word signals rigor and scientific depth; describing something as a matter of biochemistry suggests its causes lie in measurable molecular events. For anyone interested in how life works at its smallest scale, biochemistry is the essential lens.
The branch of science concerned with the chemical substances and processes that occur within living organisms.
"Advances in biochemistry have transformed our understanding of disease."
Also used to mean the chemical composition and reactions of a specific organism or tissue, usually introduced by 'the ... of'
The chemical composition and reactions characteristic of a particular living organism, tissue, organ, or biological process.
"Sleep deprivation measurably alters the biochemistry of the brain."
Typically appears with a possessive or 'of' construction naming the organism or process
Rare; the noun is typically uncountable when referring to the discipline. A plural may occasionally appear when discussing distinct chemistries of multiple organisms or tissues.
"The researchers compared the biochemistries of several deep-sea species."
Every thought you've ever had was made possible by biochemistry — trillions of chemical reactions firing in your brain right now.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of biochemistry
Biochemistry is formed from two combining roots of Greek origin: 'bio-' meaning life, from Greek 'bios', and '-chemistry,' which derives through Latin and medieval Arabic alchemy ultimately from Greek 'khēmeia.' The compound emerged in the 19th century as scientists began systematically applying chemical methods to biological questions, replacing older terms such as 'physiological chemistry.' Its cognates include the many English words built on 'bio-,' such as biology, biography, and biosphere, all sharing the Greek root for life.
Related word forms
How biochemistry is actually used
A formal, academic term used primarily in scientific, medical, and educational contexts. When referring to the second sense (an organism's internal chemistry), it often appears with an 'of' phrase specifying the organism or process.
Easily confused with biochemistry
Chemistry is the broad study of matter and its interactions generally, while biochemistry is specifically the study of chemical processes within living organisms.
Biophysics applies the principles of physics rather than chemistry to understand biological systems.