What does the term 'extract' refer to in biochemical processes?

In biochemical processes, the term 'extract' specifically refers to the removal of a specific molecule or group of molecules from a biological sample. This process is essential in biochemistry for isolating substances such as proteins, nucleic acids, or metabolites from cells, tissues, or other biological materials. By extracting a particular component, researchers can study its properties, interactions, and functions in greater detail, allowing for applications in areas such as drug development, diagnostics, and biochemical research.

The other options do not accurately represent the concept of extraction. The synthesis of new proteins is a different biochemical process known as protein synthesis or translation. Measuring enzyme activity involves assessing how efficiently an enzyme catalyzes a reaction, which does not involve the removal of substances. The addition of buffers to a solution helps maintain pH but is unrelated to the extraction process, which focuses on isolating specific molecules.