biochemicals

Biochemicals are chemical substances that occur in living organisms or participate in their biological processes. The term covers a broad range of molecules, from small metabolites to large biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Biochemicals can be categorized into primary metabolites required for growth and maintenance, including sugars, amino acids, nucleotides, and fatty acids, and secondary metabolites that are not essential for basic life processes but enable organisms to interact with their environment, such as alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolics.

Biochemical roles are diverse. Macromolecules like proteins and nucleic acids provide structure, store genetic information, and catalyze biochemical reactions. Small molecules function in energy production, signaling, and regulation of metabolic pathways. Hormones, neurotransmitters, coenzymes, and vitamins act as messengers and cofactors, coordinating physiological responses. Biochemicals also participate in plant and microbial defense, reproduction, and development.

Biochemicals are found throughout all living systems and are studied to understand health, disease, and life processes. They are produced naturally by organisms and can be manufactured at scale through fermentation, enzymatic synthesis, or chemical methods for research, therapeutics, nutrition, and industry.

Applications of biochemicals include development of medications, diagnostic tools, agricultural products, and industrial materials. Analytical techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry are used to identify and quantify biochemicals in research and clinical settings.