2.1  Molecules to Metabolism

• what is it?

  • a field of study that focuses on investigating biological activity at a molecular level

    • This includes elucidating the structure and function of chemical substances and determining their interactions as parts of living processes

    
    Biological processes are tightly regulated by enzymes, whose expression is controlled by gene activation (DNA)

    • Changes in activity are typically determined by signaling molecules (either endogenous or exogenous in origin)

  • Organic compounds:

    • compounds containing carbon and are found in living things

      • except: carbides, carbonates, oxides of carbon, and cyanides

  • Carbon: