2 Molecular Biology
2.1 Molecules to metabolism
Atom: a single particle of an element
Molecule: a group of 2 or more atoms held together by covalent bonds
Carbon atoms form 4 covalent bonds with other molecules, allowing the production of a variety of compounds
All living organisms are created from carbon compounds, including c arbohydrates, lipids, proteins & nucleic acids
alpha-D-glucose beta-D-glucose
(3 OH pointing downwards) (OH pointing upwards)
Ribose Amino acid
(5 C)
Saturated fatty acid
Theory of vitalism
● Living organisms were composed of organic chemicals that could only be produced because a 'vital force' was
needed
● Urea could only be made in living organisms because it was an organic compound
Synthesis of urea (falsified the theory of vitalism)
● German chemist Wohler synthesised urea artificially using s ilver isocyanate & ammonium chloride
Metabolism: the web of all the enzyme-catalysed reactions in a cell/organism
Anabolism: synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones
● Involves condensation (produce water)
Catabolism: break down of complex molecules into simpler ones
● Involves hydrolysis (addition of water)
2.1 Molecules to metabolism
Atom: a single particle of an element
Molecule: a group of 2 or more atoms held together by covalent bonds
Carbon atoms form 4 covalent bonds with other molecules, allowing the production of a variety of compounds
All living organisms are created from carbon compounds, including c arbohydrates, lipids, proteins & nucleic acids
alpha-D-glucose beta-D-glucose
(3 OH pointing downwards) (OH pointing upwards)
Ribose Amino acid
(5 C)
Saturated fatty acid
Theory of vitalism
● Living organisms were composed of organic chemicals that could only be produced because a 'vital force' was
needed
● Urea could only be made in living organisms because it was an organic compound
Synthesis of urea (falsified the theory of vitalism)
● German chemist Wohler synthesised urea artificially using s ilver isocyanate & ammonium chloride
Metabolism: the web of all the enzyme-catalysed reactions in a cell/organism
Anabolism: synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones
● Involves condensation (produce water)
Catabolism: break down of complex molecules into simpler ones
● Involves hydrolysis (addition of water)
