Biochemistry

Biochemistry studies the molecular basis of life from humans to animals, plants, microbes, and viruses. By understanding the structure and function of biomolecules including DNA, RNA, protein, carbohydrates and lipids, biochemistry explains how cells operate under normal conditions, under stress and in disease states. Thereby, biochemistry uncovers the molecular causes of diseases and identifies new drug targets. Moreover, biochemistry enables applications in bioengineering and biomanufacturing such as the production of mRNA vaccines and antibody therapeutics. In the Department of Chemistry, we have particular expertise in protein and RNA biochemistry and structural biology as well as synthetic biology.