A biochemistry laboratory is a space where biochemists research the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. Traditional biochemistry studies the chemistry of enzyme-catalyzed reactions; however, biochemical research has expanded to include signal transduction, intracellular transport, and molecular interactions. Working in a biochemistry lab usually necessitates at least a bachelor’s degree in the sciences. Jobs in the biotechnology industry usually pay more than those in academia.
The basic components of science research labs, such as a pH meter, a balance for weighing out chemicals, a variety of buffers and other chemicals, and refrigerators and freezers for storing supplies, will be found in all biochemistry labs. They will also have a special freezer for long-term storage of proteins and tissues, which will be kept at -94° F (-70° C). Centrifuges and an ultracentrifuge will be available in such facilities. In order to keep enzymes and reagents chilled and stable, an ice machine is usually required. Almost all biochemistry labs will have gel electrophoresis supplies for examining proteins, as well as Western blot equipment.
A spectrophotometer is frequently used in biochemistry research to measure protein concentrations or enzyme reactions. A UV-Vis spectrophotometer will usually suffice, but for more specialized applications, some labs will require a fluorescence spectrophotometer. Spectrophotometers in more specialized labs may be more specialized.
Other biochemistry laboratories may have more specialized equipment, such as chromatography. This technology is used to separate molecules. A high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) system, for example, could be used to separate peptides or perform enzyme assays on small molecules in the lab. A gas chromatography (GC) system is another type of instrument that can be used. This unit distinguishes between volatile and non-volatile compounds.
A fast-pressure liquid chromatography (FPLC) system is likely to be used in a protein biochemistry lab to purify large amounts of protein for research. It would include a variety of gel matrices with various chemical properties for use with the FPLC to separate proteins. The matrices would be held in glass columns of varying proportions. Protein biochemistry labs usually have a cold room so that proteins can be isolated and purified at low temperatures and thus remain stable.
Molecular biology techniques are used in many biochemistry laboratories to aid biochemical research. Many biochemistry techniques, such as performing Western blots, are often combined with microbiology techniques in such molecular biochemistry labs. Genetic engineering techniques require sterile conditions because they involve manipulating DNA or RNA in microorganisms. A germicidal lamp and a sterile hood that can be wiped down with ethanol would be included in such a lab. It cleans its work surface blowing sterile air across it.
Agar, which forms a gel on which microorganisms grow, would be available in the lab. There would be a variety of other media and antibiotics available for growing the genetically altered microorganisms. Incubators and shakers that could be warmed up to grow bacteria or yeast would be included. Access to an autoclave is also required to sterilize the growth and RNA manipulation supplies, as well as to destroy the recombinant material after the experiments are completed.
Gel electrophoresis units for separating RNA and DNA would be additional items. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machine would be available in a molecular biochemistry lab for PCR reactions. It would include a variety of restriction enzymes as well as cloning and PCR enzymes.
Depending on its specialty, a medical biochemistry laboratory would have many of the same items as other biochemistry labs. The distinction would be in the source of the study material. Using mammalian cell culture techniques or obtaining material from stem cell cultures would be more likely. Medical biochemistry labs have benefited greatly from recombinant human proteins.
Many of these techniques are in high demand in biotech and academic research labs. A familiarity with mammalian cell cultures, as well as molecular biology and PCR reactions, are desirable job skills. When looking for a job in biochemistry, mastery of any of the chromatography units is a plus. Undergraduate students can take these lab classes and, if possible, conduct research in a biochemistry lab, which is a good way to begin mastering these skills.