Chemistry: One Big Family

Among the sciences, chemistry is uniquely situated at the crossroads between physics and the more applied sciences such as biology. Because of this relationship, chemistry is sometimes referred to as "the central science." Simply put, chemistry is concerned with understanding the interactions between atom (chemical reactions), structure, and composition of matter (or “stuff” in non-technical terms). Given chemistry’s central role, chemists work on a wide variety of projects. In a broad sense, chemistry can be divided into 4 subdisciplines: biological, inorganic, organic, and physical.

                                                                                                  Biological

An enzyme with molecules bound

As you might guess, biologitcal chemistry (or biochemistry) is concerned with the chemistry of life. Biochemists, such as this year’s Nobel Prize winners in chemistry, study the structure of large biomolecules like DNA, proteins, sugars, and fats. Progress in this field has lead to the development and utilization of modern medical science.

                                             

         Inorganic

Inorganic chemists play a vital
role in aluminum recycling.

Inorganic chemistry is broadly defined as the chemistry of metals. Inorganic chemists study the structure and physical properties of metallic compounds and apply that knowledge to fields ranging from semiconductors (the “guts” of all modern electronics) to industrial scale catalysts that make chemical reactions faster and more efficient. 

                                                               




 
                                                                 Organic

Structure of Linezolid: A man-made antibiotic

Organic chemistry revolves around the chemistry of carbon (not related to “organic” food!). Organic chemists specialize in creating complex molecules from smaller, simpler precursors. Everything from plastic cups to cardboard to our own bodies is made of carbon, and so organic chemists have their hands in quite a few cookie jars.





 
                                                 Physical

MRI machines use techniques
developed by physical chemists to
take images of our bodies.

No, this is not the kind of chemistry that you want to have with the cute girl who sits behind you in fifth period English. Physical chemistry is the interface between chemistry and physics. Physical chemists are concerned with applying and studying chemistry at the atomic and subatomic level. In the course of their work, they use advanced equipment such as super computers, high-powered magnets, and lasers (pew! pew!).

In reality, most work in chemistry can't be separated into just one of these categories, and so the majority of projects involve a great deal of collaboration between chemists with differing specialties.


Image sources:
http://www.rcsb.org/pdb/explore/explore.do?structureId=1PFK
http://academyoffood.blogspot.com/2012/09/you-can-tell-coke-from-pepsi-but-can.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linezolid
http://www.diagnosisms.com/2012/04/30/mri-for-multiple-sclerosis/