Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What is the branch of science that focuses on the chemicals related to life processes called?

1. Biochemistry

2. Chemical Engineering

3. Molecular Biology

4. Cellular Biology

The correct answer is: Biochemistry

The branch of science that focuses on the chemicals related to life processes is biochemistry. This field examines the chemical substances and vital processes occurring within living organisms. It combines aspects of both biology and chemistry to understand how complex biological molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates interact and contribute to the functions of cells and organisms. Biochemistry is essential for understanding cellular processes, metabolic pathways, and the biochemical basis of diseases, which is vital not only in scientific research but also in applied fields such as medicine, pharmacology, and nutrition. Molecular biology, while closely related, specifically focuses on biological activity at the molecular level, particularly the interactions between DNA, RNA, and proteins, rather than the broader chemical processes involved in life. Cellular biology emphasizes the biological functions and structures of cells but does not specifically zero in on the chemical reactions and compounds that are crucial to these processes. Chemical engineering deals with the design and operation of industrial processes that involve chemicals, rather than focusing on the chemicals involved in biological functions and life processes.