Biochemistry vs. Molecular Biology: What's the Difference?

Read time 5 minutes

Published on Oct 8, 2025

Biochemistry and molecular biology are similar, but not quite the same. Biochemistry examines the chemical processes of living organisms and their cells,¹while molecular biology examines the structure of cells in living organisms and the behavior of those cells’ individual components.² The work of biochemists and molecular biologists plays an important role in enhancing our understanding of the world around us.

If you’re considering pursuing a career in the natural sciences, you’ll want to take a closer look at the differences between biochemistry vs. molecular biology. You’ll also want to consider biochemistry and molecular biology careers that might interest you before choosing the right type of biology degree to suit your career goals.

What Is Molecular Biology?

Molecular biology is a branch of the natural sciences that explores the molecular level of the biological activity of living organisms. It examines how different molecules in living organisms interact with each other. Molecular biologists study the different components that comprise cells, such as DNA, RNA and proteins.²

Molecular biologists pay particular attention to genes and proteins. These two components of cells are critical, as proteins perform a significant range of cellular functions and genes are necessary for creating proteins. Genes contain genetic information, which is stored on nucleic acid molecules, while proteins are molecules that can regulate other proteins and respond to the signals from genes.

What is molecular biology’s significance in terms of scientific advances? Molecular biologists spend their time seeking to better understand the structures of cells and how molecules interact with each other because their findings generate new insights into how life works — and this has implications for medical science.³

The work that molecular biologists do can enhance our understanding of how diseases affect living organisms; their work can also inform the development of new medications and other treatments. Genetic engineers, drug developers and other scientists can use molecular biologists’ findings to further their own scientific research.³

What Do Molecular Biologists Do?

A molecular biologist’s individual job responsibilities can vary, depending on the industry they work in and the needs of their employer. In general, however, they may do any of the following:²

Design and conduct experiments using scientific techniques to study components like proteins and genes.
Use statistical and bioinformatics tools to analyze the data from their research studies, identify patterns and develop or prove hypotheses.
Develop new technologies and techniques, such as gene editing tools, or improve current analytical methods.
Write about their findings and submit their work to peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Some molecular biologists may teach at the university level. Others may serve as mentors to new scientists.²

What Is Biochemistry?

Biochemistry is similar to molecular biology, but there are key differences. When considering the differences between biochemistry vs. molecular biology, it’s important to note that the focus of each field is different. Whereas molecular biology explores cellular components, biochemistry emphasizes the chemicals in living organisms and their reactions.¹

Like molecular biologists, biochemists also need to understand the structure of cells and molecules, and they also study components like proteins and lipids. However, biochemists focus on chemical reactions. Combining biology and chemistry, biochemistry considers issues such as the role of chemicals in heredity, the synthesis of energy from food and the cellular changes caused by disease.¹

Biochemistry plays an important role in numerous industries. A biochemist working in agriculture, for example, may study how pesticide chemicals affect both plants and pests. They may also seek to understand how pesticides may be toxic to other life forms.¹

In pharmacology, biochemists may study how drugs interact with the body. Or, biochemists may explore the function of organs. Lastly, in the food science field, a biochemist might work on ways of improving a food’s shelf life.¹

What Do Biochemists Do?

Biochemists can choose to specialize in a particular area, such as the biochemistry of plants, the human nervous system or enzymes. Their specific tasks can vary, but generally include:⁴

Designing and conducting scientific experiments using equipment such as spectroscopy and electrophoresis
Analyzing and interpreting the results of their experiments
Developing new products, like drugs and vaccines, or improving upon existing ones

A biochemist might also choose to pursue a career in academia, where they can focus on both research and education.⁴

How the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Careers Overlap

Although there are many differences between these fields, there are also plenty of similarities between biochemistry and molecular biology. Both types of scientists study life: its structures, processes and interactions. Both types of scientists may perform research that has implications for a broad range of fields, most notably medicine and agriculture.

Furthermore, there is overlap regarding some of the daily tasks and responsibilities that biochemists and molecular biologists do. Some of these common responsibilities include:^2,4

Design and conduct research experiments
Analyze the results of the experiments
Explore practical applications for their findings
Collaborate with other scientists

Graduate School Pathways

If you’re interested in pursuing molecular biology careers, you’ll need to start with a bachelor’s degree.⁵ A molecular biology degree will allow you to examine fundamental topics in the natural sciences, such as the following:

Organic chemistry, including chemical bonding, chemical structure and acid-base principles
Microbiology, including the characteristics, growth and diversity of microorganisms, as well as microbial cell structure and functions
The composition, structure, regulation and growth of eukaryotic cells
Cell structure, development, chromosome organization, gene expression and gene regulation
Fundamental components of the scientific method, including the analysis of scientific literature
Safety protocols, equipment and practices in laboratory settings

You can expect a blend of didactic coursework, such as lecture classes, and hands-on laboratory experimentation that can allow you to get comfortable using lab equipment and following standard lab protocols.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in molecular and cellular biology, you might then decide to gain practical experience in research lab settings. Consider pursuing an internship or an entry-level job in research. While you gain practical experience, you may also have opportunities to network with scientists and other research personnel.⁵

You can then work on applying to graduate school. It’s customary for an aspiring molecular biologist to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), which is a research-focused degree. You might not necessarily need to earn a master’s degree before applying to a PhD program, but different schools will establish their own requirements.⁵

While you’re working on your PhD and after you graduate, you can pursue opportunities to publish your research in scientific journals. This can help you establish professional recognition in the field. After earning a graduate degree, you can put together a CV and apply to molecular biologist jobs.⁵

Molecular biologists can work across a variety of settings, including:⁵

Public and private universities
Government institutions
Bioscience companies
Pharmaceutical companies
Agricultural companies

Dive Into Molecular Biology at GCU

The College of Natural Sciences at Grand Canyon University is pleased to offer the Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology degree program to scientifically minded students who are interested in a blend of didactic coursework and hands-on experiential learning opportunities. You’ll examine key topics in genetics and genomics, organic compound properties and microbial cell structure. Following graduation, you may feel prepared to pursue graduate-level education in molecular and cellular biology.

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