Why I Want To Pursue A Degree In Biochemistry

For as long as I can remember, I have been extremely passionate about the sciences. Whilst studying the sciences separately at GCSE, I developed an affinity towards biology and chemistry, and so chose to continue studying them at A Level. I became especially fascinated by the fact that the human body is made up almost entirely of chemical elements. These chemical elements form the genome and control every aspect of every living organism and by forming different sequences of elements and different bonds, unique molecules such as antibodies and proteins can be produced as a first line of defense for the organism. After trying to decide between biology and chemistry as separate subjects, I chose to pursue biochemistry as it combines my favourite

My interest in the genome lead me to research a newly found gene editing technology known as CRISPR, which I decided to make the basis for my extended project qualification. I found it fascinating to learn how easily the human genome can be changed and the benefits this could have for humanity, such as eradicating genetic diseases like heart diseases and introducing genes that would prevent mosquitos spreading malaria. I believe that the completion of my EPQ, based on the ethics and testing of new gene editing technology, will provide me with excellent independent research skills and the ability to evaluate pieces of scientific evidence that I can apply to my biochemistry degree.

I found that Nick Lane’s ‘Power, Sex, Suicide: Mitochondria and the meaning of life’ was an interesting and informative read. It highlighted the complexity of the mitochondria as more important than just ‘powerhouses’ of the cell, and used biochemistry to theorise the origin of the eukaryotic cell, they carry their own DNA and can be considered responsible for many aspects of life, such as ageing and the formation of the two sexes. Reading this book inspired me to do some of my own further research on the biochemical properties of