biochemistry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “biochemistry” mean?
The scientific study of the chemical substances and vital processes occurring in living organisms.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The scientific study of the chemical substances and vital processes occurring in living organisms; biological chemistry.
The branch of science that deals with the chemical and physico-chemical processes and substances which occur within living organisms, including metabolism, molecular genetics, and enzymology.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The word is spelled and used identically in both dialects.
Connotations
None specific to either dialect.
Frequency
Equally common in academic and scientific contexts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “biochemistry” in a Sentence
[Subject] studies biochemistry.[Subject] has a degree in biochemistry.The biochemistry of [noun phrase] is complex.[Subject] works in the field of biochemistry.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “biochemistry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form derived from 'biochemistry']
American English
- [No standard verb form derived from 'biochemistry']
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form derived from 'biochemistry']
American English
- [No standard adverb form derived from 'biochemistry']
adjective
British English
- She took a biochemistry module.
- The biochemistry pathway is highly competitive.
American English
- He works in a biochemistry lab.
- The biochemistry textbook is expensive.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the biochemistry industry, pharmaceuticals, or biotech companies.
Academic
Core subject in life sciences, medicine, and veterinary studies.
Everyday
Rarely used; might appear in discussions about health, medicine, or university courses.
Technical
Precise scientific term for the study of chemical processes in organisms.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “biochemistry”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “biochemistry”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “biochemistry”
- Misspelling as 'bio-chemistry' (hyphen usually omitted in modern usage).
- Confusing with 'biology' (broader) or 'organic chemistry' (focuses on carbon compounds, not necessarily biological systems).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The main focus is understanding the chemical processes and substances that underlie the functions of living organisms at the molecular level.
No. Organic chemistry studies carbon-based compounds broadly, while biochemistry specifically studies those compounds and reactions within living systems.
Typical careers include research scientist, clinical biochemist, pharmacologist, toxicologist, biomedical scientist, and roles in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.
Yes, a strong foundation in general chemistry and organic chemistry is essential, as biochemistry applies these principles to biological systems.
The scientific study of the chemical substances and vital processes occurring in living organisms.
Biochemistry is usually academic, technical in register.
Biochemistry: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪ.əʊˈkem.ɪ.stri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪ.oʊˈkem.ɪ.stri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly derived from 'biochemistry']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: BIOlogy + CHEMistry = BIOchemistry, the chemistry of life.
Conceptual Metaphor
Life as a complex chemical machine; organisms as chemical factories.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is most closely associated with biochemistry?