What is a biomarker?

A biomarker is defined as a biological molecule that indicates a disease state. This can include a variety of substances such as proteins, genes, or other molecules that can be measured in bodily fluids or tissues. The presence, absence, or levels of these biomarkers can provide valuable information about the biological processes occurring in the body, especially concerning disease progression, diagnosis, and treatment responses.

Biomarkers play a critical role in personalized medicine, allowing for targeted therapies based on individual profiles. For example, certain biomarkers can indicate the presence of cancer or predict how a patient might respond to a specific treatment, thus guiding treatment decisions. In clinical research, biomarkers are essential for assessing the efficacy of new drugs and understanding disease mechanisms.

While the other options refer to various aspects of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, they do not capture the essence of what a biomarker is. Modified organisms relate to genetic modifications for production purposes, antibiotics are specific types of medications, and measurements regarding the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals pertain more to outcomes rather than specific biological indicators.