biochemist
A biochemist is a scientist who studies the chemical processes that support life. Biochemists investigate how living organisms convert nutrients into energy, build and modify molecules, and regulate cellular activities. They focus on the structure and function of biological macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids, and on processes like metabolism, enzyme catalysis, signaling, and gene expression. The field sits at the intersection of biology and chemistry and often overlaps with molecular biology, genetics, pharmacology, and physiology.
Education and career paths typically begin with a bachelor's degree in biochemistry or a related field. Many
Work environments and methods: Biochemists are employed in universities, government laboratories, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, clinical
Subfields and applications: Areas include enzymology, metabolic biochemistry, structural biochemistry, protein biochemistry, clinical biochemistry, and plant