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Biology is the scientific study of living things. The term “Biology” originated from Greek and came from two words ‘bios’, meaning life, and ‘logos’, meaning ‘study’ / ‘science’. Aristotle, one of the most famous Greek philosophers is known as the father of Biology.
Biochemistry is one of the branches of Biology and lies somewhere between Biology and Chemistry. Biochemistry investigates living things deeper at the level of molecules and cells by applying the knowledge of Chemistry. Carl Alexander Neuberg is known as the father of modern chemistry.
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Key Takeaways: Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Evolution, Botany, Zoology, Anatomy, Morphology, Virology, Biophysics, Physiology
Biology
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Biology is a branch of natural science that only focuses on the scientific study of living things like animals, plants, and creatures.
Biology has its further branches divided into more than 20 subjects namely Botany, Zoology, Anatomy, Morphology, Physiology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Genetics, Evolution, Virology, etc.
Biochemistry
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Biochemistry is one of the branches of Biology. Biochemistry deals with the interactions of proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids. It also deals with the structures, bondings, and functions.
In simple words, biochemistry investigates the chemistry of living systems. The application of chemistry to understand cellular and molecular interactions is the aim of Biochemistry.
Biochemistry is further divided into more than 5 branches namely molecular biology, organic chemistry, cell biology, immunology, metabolism, neurochemistry, genetic engineering, etc.
Also Read: Difference between Environment and Ecology.
Differences Between Biology and Biochemistry
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| Biology | Biochemistry |
|---|---|
| 1. Biology deals with the study of living organisms. | 1. Biochemistry studies molecular and cellular interactions in living systems. |
| 2. Biology is a theoretical subject. | 2. Biochemistry is a practical subject. |
| 3. The study of Biology doesn't need any technical involvement. | 3. Biochemistry is almost a technical subject. |
| 4. Biology mainly tries to understand the macro body parts of living beings. | 4. Biochemistry requires the application of well-known chemistry to understand the interaction between biomolecules. |
| 5. Biology is all about the structure - anatomy and morphology, origin and evolution of living organisms | 5. Biochemistry deals with proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and lipids. |
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Similarities between Biology and Biochemistry
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Along with differences, Biology and Biochemistry have some similarities too. Given below are some similarities -
- Both contribute to the well-being of humans.
- Biochemistry has an origin in biology.
- Research in both fields leads to the advancement of mankind.
- Organic chemistry, genetics, ecology, etc are the common topics of biology and biochemistry.
Points to Remember
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- They are very similar-looking subjects but they have a difference in detail. Biology looks widely whereas biochemistry deals with subdivisions of biology like cells, immune system, etc.
- Biochemistry highlights specific topics of biology like genetics engineering, enzymes, lipids, etc.
- Biology is all about the evolution of living organisms, their morphology, and anatomy but biochemistry deals with applicative chemistry in the study of molecular and cellular interactions of a living system.
- Along with so many differences, biology and biochemistry have some common topics and origins.
Sample Questions
Ques. How can I become a biochemist? (2 marks)
Ans. Choose for an undergraduate course or B.Sc from biochemistry after completing your 10+2 from the biochemistry stream. Then go for higher studies like M.Sc from the same. Qualify for NET JRF and apply for Ph.D. from any prestigious university. Do the research and Publish your good research paper in any science magazine. If your research work creates something special in any field like an agricultural field, industrial field, etc then congratulations you have become a good scientist.
Ques. How to become a biologist? (2 marks)
Ans. Start studying biology thoroughly from class 9th onwards and then appear for the entrance exam of prestigious institutions like Banaras Hindu University or Delhi University after completing your 12th class. Complete your undergraduate degree studying deeply and do post-graduation from the same. Crack the NET JRF and take admission to a prestigious university for Ph.D. and do your research work in biology i.e. zoology, botany, etc. Let you publish your research paper in any right science magazine. If your research work is good then you will be recognized as a scientist.
Ques. Explain the work difference between biologists and biochemists. (3 marks)
Ans. They have some basic differences in their work. Although they have some similar roots. The difference is given below :
| Biologist
| Biochemist
|
Ques. What are the applications of Biochemistry? (5 marks)
Ans. Biochemistry plays a very crucial role in developing science and other sectors. It has several applications given below.
Application of Biochemistry:
- Biochemistry is used in medicine to know the causes of disease and accordingly prepare for medicine.
- It is used to know the effects of nutritional deficiency.
- It is used to understand the impact of the enzyme on the living system.
- It is used in the agriculture sector to boost the good variety of products.
- It is used for medical purposes for example all body organ testing and resulting best treatment possible.
Ques. What are the branches of biochemistry? (5 marks)
Ans. There are more than 9 branches of biochemistry. Five of them are here :
- Molecular Biology: It deals with the molecular interactions having in the living body.
- Cell Biology: This branch tries to understand the behavior of cells exposed to certain drugs and thus find out the relation between health and disease.
- Immunology: It studies the process of our immune system and leads to a better health system.
- Bacteriology: It studies bacteria and contributes to a healthier society.
- Metabolism: This branch studies the relationship between health and disease.
Ques. How does biochemistry help in Agriculture? (5 marks)
Ans. Biochemistry has a huge role in the agricultural field. Agricultural biochemists study the causes and effects of biochemical reactions on plants and animals.
Here are some points highlighting the role of biochemistry :
- Effects of pesticides and fertilizers on crops.
- Analytical studies of crops.
- Based on the analysis, development of new varieties of fertilizers and pesticides.
- Using biomass, production of alternative fuels.
- Understanding the types of solids and deficiencies in them.
Ques. What is the history of biology? (3 marks)
Ans. Biology traces its history from ancient times. It emerged from Ayurveda, ancient Egyptian medicine, and was contributed by Aristotle and Galen.
In medieval times, it was again developed by some Muslim physicians and scholars, namely Avicenna.
From the 18th and 19th centuries, zoology and botany were taught professionally. Lavoisier and others started studying animals and plants.
In the early 20th century, Mendel's experiment was rediscovered and led to the rapid development in the field of genetics.
Further, biology goes on division and now it has more than 20 branches.
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