NOTE: Free essay sample provided on this page should be used for references or sample purposes only. The sample essay is available to anyone, so any direct quoting without mentioning the source will be considered plagiarism by schools, colleges and universities that use plagiarism detection software. To get a completely brand-new, plagiarism-free essay, please use our essay writing service.
One click instant price quote
What is biochemistry? Biochemistry is the 'Chemistry of Life' It is central to all areas of the Biological or Life Sciences. The aim is to provide an understanding of every aspect of the structure and function of living things at the molecular level. It is a practical laboratory science that applies the molecular approaches of chemistry to the vast variety of biological systems. Biochemists work at all levels and with all types of biological organisms, ranging from biomolecules to man. There are close links with other specialist life sciences, such as Cell Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Physiology and Pharmacology.
In fact, in many cases the distinctions between these disciplines are becoming increasingly blurred. They use biochemical techniques and biochemists work in all these areas. Biochemistry offers the tremendous challenge of seeking to understand the most fundamental of life's processes at the molecular level, and to utilise this knowledge for the benefit of mankind. You will have read, for example, how biochemists, working with colleagues in other disciplines, have developed the new technologies of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering. These have enabled the production of therapeutically important human proteins such as insulin and blood clotting factors by cloning procedures, thus avoiding costly, time-consuming and inefficient isolation of these molecules from biological sources; the identification and possible remedying of genetic problems; and the use of DNA fingerprinting in forensic science. What does a biochemist do?
Biochemists identify biological problems then develop and apply appropriate techniques to solve them at the molecular level Biochemists study the most basic of life processes; for example, identifying the way in which DNA, which carries the genetic information, is transferred between cells and can be manipulated. This has led to the development of new technologies such as Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering. The resulting recombinant DNA technology has formed the basis of modern biotechnology (e. g. production of human insulin), medical developments (e. g.
prenatal diagnosis and genetic counselling) and forensic science (e. g. DNA fingerprinting). DNA directs the production of proteins. These have diverse functions, such as catalyzing biological reactions (enzymes), carrying oxygen round the body (haemoglobin), protecting us from infection (antibodies) and holding us together (collagen). Using both simple and high-technology methods, biochemists work out how these proteins function.
Biochemists also develop methods for making use of proteins, such as enzymes in biotechnology and antibodies in hormone analysis. With knowledge of the basic molecular mechanisms, biochemists study how life processes are integrated to allow individual cells to function and interact to form complex organisms. They work with all sorts of organisms, from viruses and bacteria to plants and man. These are just a few of the areas. It would take a whole book, in fact many books, to do justice to the multitude of roles of biochemists. How do I become a biochemist?
Do you have a curiosity about the living world? Do you want to understand what makes it all work? Do you enjoy chemistry and its application to biology? If so, biochemistry could be for you Biochemists are employed at all levels, from school leavers to experienced researchers with Ph. D.
degrees. It is possible to enter as a laboratory technician straight from school. If so, you would usually continue to study part-time (e. g. for a BTEC qualification on 'day release') while working.
A degree is now becoming the norm for employment. After studying science - chemistry, but not biology, is essential - at school or college (e. g. A-levels, GNVQ, Scottish Highers) you can enter a degree course in biochemistry or a closely related subject. Virtually every university in the country will offer a degree course in biochemistry, or one in which biochemistry is a major component.
It is important to read the prospectuses carefully to find out what each course involves. The emphasis can be quite different depending on factors such as the other degree programmes available. Many universities offer sandwich courses, which give the opportunity to spend a year working in industry. Because biochemistry is a research-based discipline many graduates continue into post-graduate training. This can involve taught courses, such as a specialist M. Sc. (usually one year, e.
g. in Clinical Chemistry, Forensic Science or Molecular Parasitology), or research towards writing a thesis for an M. Phil. (one or two years) or a Ph. D. (three or four years).
Holders of these degrees usually go on to be the researchers of the future. Who employs biochemists? Biochemists work in many walks of life - in industry, hospitals, agriculture, research institutes, education and associated areas. There are many areas of everyday life as diverse as medical products and diagnostics, new food and its safety, crop improvement, cosmetics and forensic science that owe their development or even existence to biochemists Industry Pharmaceutical, food, brewing, biotechnology and agrochemical companies all need and employ biochemists to develop new products and to monitor the production, quality control and safety of existing ones. Medicine Hospitals, public health laboratories and medical research institutes, as well as the pharmaceutical industry, all require biochemists. Here they provide a diagnostic service, carrying out tests on blood, urine and other body fluids, alongside researching the underlying causes of disease and the methods of treatment.
Agriculture and the Environment Biochemists and biotechnologist's, who often have a biochemistry degree, working in agriculture have been responsible for many developments, such as pest-resistant crops, improvements in crop yields and tomatoes that keep better. They also monitor the environment. Employers include seed companies, local government, the Civil Service and water authorities. Education All levels of education offer prospects for biochemists. The combination of biology and chemistry, along with the training in numerical and analytical skills that is given in any area of science, makes biochemistry ideal for teaching throughout the school age range.
There are also opportunities for more advanced teaching, usually associated with research, in universities and colleges, and medical, dental and veterinary schools. Away from Science A science background can be an excellent starting point for many other careers. Biochemistry is a numerate subject that develops analytical thinking, creativity in problem solving, and the ability to handle large amounts of complex information - skills required in jobs in all walks of life including, for example, sales and marketing, accountancy and finance, journalism, and patent work. Biochemists have become successful popular authors and even a national president!
Why study biochemistry? Those who make a career in science find it endlessly fascinating and very rewarding intellectually There is a large demand for scientists - the Government wants more scientists and technologists in all walks of life to take advantage of recent advances in knowledge. Job prospects are good - the low unemployment rate of new biochemistry graduates compares well with that for biological sciences as a whole and for new graduates overall. What do biochemistry graduates do?
The information on initial job positions shown in the Figure was obtained from the annual survey performed by the Biochemical Society on First degree students who graduated in biochemistry in 1998 from colleges and universities in the UK The largest proportion of new graduates moved on to further biochemical study or training, mainly registering for MSc and PhD degrees. Experience suggests, that the majority of these will eventually make a career in scientific research. Of students completing MSc and PhD degrees in 1998 less than 2 % were unplaced. Those entering careers based directly on their biochemical training were the second largest group. Many went in industrial research in the areas already mentioned. Bibliography Pamela C.
Change, Richard A. , Ph. D. Harvey: Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry. 2002 Christopher K. Mathews, Kansas E. van Home, Kevin G. Ahern: Biochemistry (3 rd Edition). 2000 Dawn B.
Marks, Down B. Marks: Biochemistry: Board Review Series. January 1999 EFB - European Federation of Biotechnology web FAOBMB - Federation of Asian and Oceacian Biochemistry and Molecular Biology web
Free research essays on topics related to: genetic engineering, dna fingerprinting, molecular biology, forensic science, walks of life
Research essay sample on Walks Of Life Molecular Biology
