CHRISTINA BOWERS PH.D
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topic 2.1:  Molecules to metabolism


Essential idea:

  • Living organisms control their composition by a complex web of chemical reactions.


Topic Overview:
How do basic molecules get incorporated into living cells and organisms?


Videos:
Biomolecules (TEDed)
Introduction to biology molecules (Bozeman science)

Resources:
1.  The biological building blocks
2.   Biological molecules

Biomolecules in food:  you really are what you eat.

​Video documentary:  "Food: Delicious Science


The special chemistry of carbon

2.1U1:  Molecular biology explains living processes in terms of the chemical substances involved.
2.1U2:  Carbon atoms can form four covalent bonds, allowing a diversity of stable compounds to exist.
2.1U3:  Life is based on carbon compounds, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

2.1A1:  Urea is an example of a compound that is produced by living organisms but can also be artificially synthesized.
2.1Skill1:  Drawing molecular diagrams of glucose, ribose, a saturated fatty acid, and a generalized amino acid.
2.1Skill 2:  Identification of biochemicals such as sugars, lipids or amino acids from molecular diagrams.

Metabolism:  Oh what a tangled web we weave!

2.1U4:  Metabolism is the web of all enzyme-catalyzed reactions in a cell or organism.
2.1U5:  Anabolism is the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler molecules, including the formation of macromolecules from monomers by condensation reactions.
2.1U6:  Catabolism is the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler molecules including the hydrolysis of macromolecules into monomers.
LIfe is wonderfully complicated.   Stay curious.  Be skeptical.    And above all, ask many questions!