What is a biomarker?

A biomarker is defined as a measurable indicator of a biological condition or disease. This could include various types of biological measurements such as proteins, genes, metabolic processes, and other molecular substances found in blood, tissues, or other bodily fluids. Biomarkers have significant value in the medical field as they can help in the diagnosis, prognostic assessment, and monitoring of diseases.

For instance, elevated cholesterol levels can serve as a biomarker for cardiovascular diseases, while specific proteins might indicate the presence of certain types of cancer. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the broad utility of biomarkers in understanding and tracking biological processes and health conditions. These measurable indicators play a crucial role in personalized medicine, allowing treatments to be tailored to individual patients based on their unique biological profiles.