Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the study of bio (life) and chem (the interactions of matter and energy). So this is the study of living organisms, pretty much, and their intended functions. I think. Anyway, this category can study a few items. Some are pretty neat, most are hit-you-over-the-head-why-did-I-have-to-do-this kind of thing. Toxins and weapons are cool, but I don't like to use them unless they have infinite ammo, which usually falls under the category of Quantum Physics.
(Note that aliens must each be researched twice, once each for their living and dead states).
- Anthropod
- Brainsucker
- Multiworm
- Hyperworm
- Chrysalis
- Skeletoid
- Micronoid Aggregate
- Popper
- Spitter
- Megaspawn
- Psimorph
- Queenspawn
- Overspawn
Suggested Research Path
Biochemistry research is extremely important in the early part of the game. After your Bio-Transport Module is researched and manufactured, you should be bringing bunches of live aliens back from missions. (You are using lots of Stun Grenades, right?) Your ultimate goal is Toxiguns and Toxin-B, which can kill most aliens in two or three shots, have a high rate of fire, and ignore shields.
Your research should ideally follow roughly this order:
- Multiworm (or Autopsy)
- Advanced Biochemistry Lab. Begin construction (ideally at your second base) as soon as research completes.
- Multiworm Autopsy (or Live)
- Hyperworm
- Hyperworm Autopsy
- Chrysalis
- Chrysalis Autopsy
- Multiworm Egg
- Multiworm Egg Autopsy
By this point your Advanced Lab should be complete, unless your biochemists are horrible. After the above are complete, research the following in order:
- The Alien Genetic Structure
- The Alien Life Cycle
- Biological Warfare (Upon completion, begin building Toxiguns, but NOT Toxin A clips)
- Toxin B
From here, you ideally capture and research an example of every alien in the game alive and dead. They can be researched in any order, at which point you may research The Real Alien Threat, prerequisite to Toxin C - which makes Toxiguns the best general-purpose weapon in the game if you have the resources to keep up with producing the clips.