What type of indicators do biomarkers provide?

Biomarkers are measurable indicators that provide insights into biological conditions within the body. They can be substances, structures, or processes that indicate a disease state or the effectiveness of treatments. For instance, biomarkers can include molecules like proteins or genes whose presence or levels may change in different disease states or due to various treatments, allowing for better diagnosis, prognosis, or therapeutic monitoring.

By definition, biomarkers serve as objective signs that can be quantified, providing crucial metrics for understanding biological functions or disease progression. This characteristic sets biomarkers apart from other types of indicators that may not have a direct or quantifiable connection to biological conditions, such as behavioral changes, psychological states, or environmental factors. Hence, the correct answer reflects the primary role of biomarkers in biomedical science.