Biochemistry is defined by Merriam-Webster's Dictionary as a "science that deals with the chemical characteristics and reactions of a particular living organism or biological substance." I believe without having read the definition most people would suggest biochemistry would have a connection to the studies of biology and chemistry, AND THEY WOULD BE CORRECT!Biology, being the study of living things, is a general area of study that serves as an umbrella in which many sciences can be categorized. Chemistry is similar in that it is a broad area of study also housing many sciences. Both chemistry and biology are often used to create a foundation of knowledge for aspiring scientist. Chemistry differs from biology as its focus is on the composition, and structure of substances, and how they undergo change during reactions. Chemistry concentrates its attention at the atomic and molecular levels. Alone this level of organization does not support life and is a major reason it stands apart from biology.
The fields of genetics and molecular biology are more specialized in their scope of practice. Molecular biology is a branch of biology dealing with the ultimate physiochemical organization of living matter, while genetics deals with the heredity and variation of organisms. Both areas of study stand alone as scientific disciplines, however having a working knowledge of these fields is invaluable references.
