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Macromolecules

  • Living organisms and non-living matter governed by the same chemical and physical forces.

  • Molecular Biology: Studies composition, structure, and interactions of cellular molecules; explains living processes chemically.

Atoms and Molecules

  • Atom: Smallest unit of an element, with positively charged nucleus and surrounding electrons.

  • Molecule: Group of two or more atoms bonded by covalent bonds.

    • Covalent Bond: Electrons shared between atoms; can be single, double, or triple bonds.

Organic Compounds

  • Macromolecules: Large organic compounds (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids).

    • Polymer: Large molecules with repeating subunits; Monomer: Individual component of a polymer.

Carbohydrates

  • Composed of C, H, O; general formula: C<em>xH</em>2yOyC<em>xH</em>{2y}O_y.

    • Types: Monosaccharides, Disaccharides, Polysaccharides.

Lipids

  • Insoluble in water; includes steroids, fatty acids, phospholipids, triglycerides.

Proteins

  • Made of one or more chains of amino acids (20 unique R groups).

Nucleic Acids

  • Composed of nucleotides; includes RNA and DNA.

Metabolism

  • Metabolism: Total of enzyme-catalyzed reactions in a cell.

    • Metabolic Pathways: Chains or cycles of reactions.

    • Anabolism: Synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones (Condensation reaction).

    • Catabolism: Breakdown of complex molecules into simpler molecules (Hydrolysis).