In biochemistry, what is typically studied?

Biochemistry primarily focuses on the chemical reactions and processes that occur within living organisms. This field of study examines biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids, understanding their structures, functions, and interactions essential for life. The analysis of these biochemical pathways is crucial for comprehending how physiological processes are regulated and how various factors, including nutrients and toxins, affect health and disease.

The other options, while related to chemistry and biology, do not align with the core focus of biochemistry. Physical states of matter is more relevant to physical chemistry and materials science. Inorganic compounds pertain to chemistry without a direct emphasis on biological processes. Lastly, while environmental impacts of chemicals can be a subject of interest in environmental chemistry, they are again not the focus of biochemical studies, which are centered specifically around living systems and their biochemical intricacies.