Biochemistry is a science that studies at a molecular level the characteristics, structure, organization and functions of the chemical components of living beings. It combines knowledge of various areas such as Medicine, Biology and Chemistry.
This word is formed by adding to the term ‘chemistry’ the prefix ‘bio-‘ (‘life’).
Biochemical tests
In medicine, especially in microbiology, the analysis or biochemical tests are laboratory tests done to biological samples to study their characteristics and chemical reactions.
They are mainly used to identify microorganisms such as bacteria, diagnose infections and study disorders of a metabolic nature through the analysis of the levels of substances and enzymes produced by chemical reactions.
Some examples of biochemical tests are the catalase, coagulase and oxidase tests.
Metabolic biochemistry
The metabolic biochemistry is biochemically study of the characteristics and the metabolic processes of the cells of living things. More specifically, the principles by which biochemical reactions occur are studied.
Metabolic biochemistry has applications in different fields such as Biomedicine. One of its utilities is to offer information to understand the mechanisms of action, toxicity and interaction of drugs in the body.
Comparative biochemistry
The comparative biochemistry is the study of the phylogenetic relationships between organisms at the molecular level. It focuses on the analysis and comparison of organic molecules between different living things.
One of its applications is to provide information in studies related to the evolution of species and to establish relationships between them, for example through the comparison of DNA nucleotide sequences.
Clinical Biochemistry
The Clinical Biochemistry is the study modifications to existing biochemical level in the body caused by disease. In this way, clinical biochemistry applies knowledge about biochemistry to the health area. Its objective is to provide data that helps the prevention, diagnosis, evolution and treatment of diseases.
Some of his subjects of study are shared by other areas such as Immunology, Pharmacology and Hemology.
