Origin: Greek prefix bio-
Biochemistry has 2 different meanings across 1 category:
the organic chemistry of compounds and processes occurring in organisms; the effort to understand biology within the context of chemistry
"Biochemists study how enzymes catalyze reactions inside cells to convert nutrients into energy."
The chemistry of those compounds that occur in living organisms, and the processes that occur in their metabolism and catabolism
"Biochemistry explores how enzymes facilitate the complex metabolic pathways that break down nutrients to power cellular functions."
In plain English: Biochemistry is the study of how chemicals work inside living things to make them function and grow.
"Biochemistry studies how chemicals interact within living organisms to create life processes."
Usage: Biochemistry specifically refers to the chemical reactions within living cells rather than general organic chemistry. Use this term when discussing how biological systems process nutrients or synthesize molecules through metabolic pathways.
From bio- + chemistry.