Biochemistry or molecular biology is the study of the chemistry of living things. Biochemists study the physical and chemical properties specifically of molecules of living organisms. The same techniques and theoretical framework are used by other types of chemists to study molecules in other settings. Biochemistry focuses on the molecular and atomic details of living organisms concentrating on how chemical bonds are made and broken in an enzymatic reaction. Biotechnology harnesses cellular and biomolecular processes to develop technologies and products in order to improve our lives including the health of our planet. Biotechnology is an applied science that uses the tools of biochemistry molecular biology and other fields of biology. Development of genetically modified plants which carry certain genes that make them more useful to us; is one recent application of biotechnology. We have been using the biological processes of microorganisms for more than 6000 years to make useful food products such as bread and cheese and to preserve dairy products. This laboratory manual in biochemistry and biotechnology provides technical information on a number of experiments routinely performed by the biology biotechnology and agriculture graduate and post graduate students in practical classes.
