Of Biochemistry — Essentials

: DNA and RNA carry the genetic instructions required for the growth, development, and reproduction of all known organisms. Metabolism: The Cellular Chemical Factory

: The "workhorses" of the cell, proteins provide structure, regulate cellular processes, and act as organic catalysts known as enzymes. Essentials of Biochemistry

The chemical makeup of life is surprisingly specialized. While the periodic table contains over 100 elements, roughly is composed of just six: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium. : DNA and RNA carry the genetic instructions

These reactions are almost always facilitated by , which accelerate chemical processes that would otherwise happen too slowly to sustain life. The "Central Dogma" While the periodic table contains over 100 elements,

: The process of breaking down complex molecules (like food) to release energy.

A cornerstone of modern biochemistry is the flow of genetic information, often referred to as the . It describes how information moves from storage to action: DNATranscriptionRNATranslationProteinDNA RNA Protein

Biochemistry is not just a theoretical science; it is the foundation of modern medicine and industry: Biochemistry, Nutrients - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf