MM: Macromolecules Overview

mac·ro·mol·e·cule

What are your first thoughts when you see the image to the right?

The image shows why Biochemistry is important to all living things. All living organisms are made up of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and water.

Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of living things; it unites the fields of biology, chemistry, and physics. Biochemicals are a diverse library of molecules that serve as the machinery of life in our very bodies. They form the food we eat, the tissues that make up organs, as well as our fingernails and digestive juices, to name a few. In biology, a common theme is represented by the phrase, "structure dictates function." This means that the physical and chemical makeup of living structures determines the role that they play in living things. The vast possible combinations of organic molecules account for the wide range of processes that maintain life at a molecular and cellular level.

In this module, you will learn about each of the 4 organic groups, as well as the importance of water to all living things.

Module Lessons Preview

In this module, we will study the following topics: