biochemistry
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the scientific study of the chemistry of living things.
the branch of science that explores the chemical processes within and related to living organisms. Uncountable in this sense.
Simple“She decided to study biochemistry at university because she was interested in how medicines work.”
In context“Advances in biochemistry have allowed researchers to map the complex metabolic pathways that govern cellular energy production and storage.”
UsageUsually functions as an uncountable noun when referring to the academic field.
Synonymsbiological chemistry - 02 C1 Advanced
the specific chemical qualities or processes of a particular person or animal.
the chemical characteristics or biological processes specific to a particular organism or system.
Simple“The doctor explained that the patient's unique biochemistry made them sensitive to certain foods.”
In context“The study examined how the biochemistry of deep-sea fish differs from that of species living in shallower, warmer waters.”
UsageCan be used as a countable noun when comparing the chemical systems of different individuals or species.
Synonymschemical makeupmetabolism
“After she started at the University of East Anglia, Pia Subong, 21, says she realised that biochemistry wasn't the right course for her and so switched to film and English.”
“This reaction paved the way for the shift from geochemical to metabolic reactions and explains how phosphorus became such a central player in our own biochemistry.”
From bio- + chemistry.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.