Biology idea 4: Life is Chemistry

Organisms carry out a complex set of chemical reactions in order to function.

Prior to the 1850s, it was thought that living things existed and functioned outside the laws of physics and chemistry – that they had a unique “life-force” that made them different to non-living things.

Cell chemistry

In the 1850s, research by Louis Pasteur provided the first strong evidence that chemistry was an important part of life. He found that a number of natural chemical reactions had to occur during the fermentation of grapes into wine. This has become the basis of biochemistry and the study of metabolism.

The complex chemistry of cells

The chemistry that goes on inside the cells is incredibly complex. Numerous reactions are taking place simultaneously and all within the confines of the cells (a space of 1–20 micrometres across). Protein synthesis is just one example of the types of reactions that constantly occur in cells.

Biochemical pathways

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The Biochemical Pathways chart was originally developed in 1965 by Dr Gerhard Michal to give an overview of the different biochemical processes the might be occurring in living cells. Dr Michal has said, “I have always been fascinated by enzymes and biochemical pathways. At the start of my career I was interested in research that would allow us to develop diagnostic tools. The need for an overview of the scientific knowledge of the time led to the development of the first Biochemical Pathways. Our knowledge over the last 50 years has grown exponentially and I hope that Biochemical Pathways will continue to expand with our ever increasing knowledge.”

Rights: Roche Diagnostics

This cell chemistry forms a complex network of interactions that are responsible for the many different functions a cell carries out.