Biochemistry | School of Molecular & Cellular Biology

Biochemists investigate the processes in living systems from a molecular perspective. We lead innovative research programs in chemical biology, nucleic acids biochemistry, molecular virology, membrane biochemistry, genomics, microbial physiology, signal transduction & more. We provide tools to develop the next generation of medicine.

Graduates of our undergraduate and PhD programs have become leaders in medicine, pharmacology, agriculture, nutrition, microbiology, cell biology, food technology, pollution control, and biotechnology.

Biochemistry News

A man in a blue checkered shirt and a woman in a navy sweater stand in front of a lab bench.

Can bacteria handle stress? Study reveals how combined stressors overwhelm harmful bacteria

The human body is a stressful place for bacteria to live. They must defend against many chemical and physical stressors, in addition to the immune system. One major physical stressor is fluid flow, which constantly circulates in the bloodstream, urinary tract, and lungs. Research has...

Two winners of the 2024 MCB Undergraduate Research Symposium

Celebrating the 2024 Undergraduate Research Symposium Winners

The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Undergraduate Research Symposium, held on November 13, 2024. This annual event showcases the hard work of our undergraduate researchers, who contribute to advancing knowledge in biochemistry, cell and...

Winners announced for "Life Inspiring:" A gallery of images from the School of MCB

The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology is pleased to congratulate the winners of its “Life Inspiring” art competition, which celebrates the intersection of life sciences and art. Earlier this year, undergraduate and graduate students were encouraged to submit original works of art...

illustration of the liver, DNA strand, and medicine

Mouse model reveals liver involvement in muscular dystrophy

A new mouse model mimicking the liver symptoms of myotonic dystrophy type 1 — the most prevalent form of adult-onset muscular dystrophy — provides insight into why patients develop fatty liver disease and display hypersensitivity to medications, making treatment difficult. The new model opens...

Meet Diana Ranoa, new assistant professor of biochemistry

The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology and Department of Biochemistry are pleased to welcome Dr. Diana Ranoa as assistant professor of biochemistry. Dr. Ranoa...

Ben Shapiro wears blue suit and poses in front of steps on Illinois campus

Biochemistry student joins 2024 Homecoming Court

Adding to the continued success of our School of Molecular & Cellular Biology students, biochemistry major Ben Shapiro was recently selected for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 2024 Homecoming...