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Molecular biochemistry studies the chemical processes of living organisms at the molecular level, focusing on proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. It investigates the structure and function of polymers and monomers, cellular metabolism, and viruses. The field began in the early 1800s with the discovery of urea synthesis and amylase. Today, it is crucial in understanding the building blocks of life.
Molecular biochemistry is the study of the functions of living organisms. Specifically, it focuses on the chemical processes involved in the structure and activity of organisms at the molecular level. Individuals who study molecular biochemistry focus heavily on the biochemical investigation of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids present in various combinations of these molecules.
Molecules can be very large and complex, and assemble into large units known as polymers. These macromolecules use repeating structural units linked by sharing an electron. This process is known as covalent chemical bonding. The polymers are then broken down into subunits known as monomers. The most common of these monomers is glucose, which binds to form cellulose and starch. Another common polymer is protein, which is made up of amino acids. Molecular biochemists work to understand the structure of these monomers and their larger creation of polymers, as well as how they function and interact within an organism.
One of the most important aspects of molecular biology is understanding the chemical properties of molecules. Cellular metabolism is an example of research using molecular biochemistry. Chemical reactions occur in all living organisms and are necessary to maintain life. The various processes within the cell are responsible for reproduction, structure maintenance, and the autonomic response to stimuli. Molecular biochemists study the two major categories of metabolism: catabolism and anabolism. Catbolism is the process by which matter is broken down and energy is collected in cellular respiration. Anabolism uses energy to build the various components within a cell.
In addition to the living structures of molecules, molecular biochemistry also studies viruses. Viruses can only reproduce within a host’s cell, making them a form of pseudo-life. These entities can impact various parts of molecules, affecting everything from protein synthesis to cell membrane transport. All kinds of organisms, plant or animal, can be infected by viruses. Molecular biochemists have identified over 5,000 types of viruses worldwide, in nearly every ecosystem imaginable. The branch of molecular biochemistry that studies these organisms is known as virology.
Molecular biochemistry began in the early 1800s with Friedrich Wohler. He published a paper demonstrating that the organic compound urea could be synthesized in 1828. This was followed by the discovery of the enzyme amylase, which breaks down sugars, in 1833 by Anselme Payen. Amylase was the first enzyme to be identified and it showed that various substances within the molecule were responsible for different actions. Studies continued over the following decades which brought new concepts such as DNA to the fore. Today, molecular biochemistry is one of the most important aspects in further understanding the building blocks of life.
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