Biochemistry and Metabolism

Define metabolism
1. Metabolism; the sum total of all the biochemical reactions taking place in the cells of an organism
  1. May be involved with breaking larger molecules into smaller ones- catabolic reactions (digestion)
  2. May involve building smaller molecules into larger ones- anabolic reactions (muscle growth)
State the functions of biological molecules in organisms
1. Carbohydrates; energy storage and supply
2. Proteins; structure, transport, enzymes, antibodies
3. Lipids; Membranes, energy supple, thermal insulation, protective layers, electrical insulation in neurons
4. Vitamins and minerals; form parts of some larger molecules and take part in metabolism reactions, act as coenzymes
5. Nucleic acids; information molecules, carry instructions for life
6. Water; takes part in many reactions, support plants, solvent for most metabolic reactions, transport
Organic chemistry is the study of chemical reactions that involve carbon- carbon atoms bond together to form long chains and rings
1. Forming a framwork atom that can form the basis of all the biological molecules necessary for life

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