Biochemistry is a combination of the fields of biology and chemistry, and it is dedicated to the study of chemical processes that occur within living organisms. It is a part of the larger discipline of molecular biology, which seeks to describe all of the molecular interactions affecting biological phenomena, and biochemistry itself includes the more specialized subjects of structural biology, enzymology, and metabolic pathways.
Since the proper functioning of our bodies depends on the chemical processes that occur within our organ systems and individual cells, the study of biochemistry is very important for our understanding of nutrition, immunology, and more. Beyond the study of chemistry within human beings, biochemistry is also critical for understanding other living creatures, including the development of biotechnology applications that seek to harness organisms like algae and bacteria to produce pharmaceuticals, fuels, and other valuable substances.
