Topic 2.1:  Molecules to Metabolism

Essential Idea:  Living Organisms control their composition by complex web of chemical reactions.

At SHS, Topic 2.1 is taught in the following class unit(s):

• Introduction to Molecular Biology (unit 10)
• Carbohydrates and Lipids (unit 11)
• Protein Structure and Function (unit 31)
• Enzymes and Metabolism (unit 32)​

Statements & Objectives:

2.1.U1  Molecular biology explains living processes in terms of the chemical substances involved.

• Define “molecular biology.”
• Compare the benefits of a reductionist vs. systems approach to studying biology.
• Recognize common functional groups.
• Draw skeletal molecular structures from full structure diagrams.

2.1.U2  Carbon atoms can form four covalent bonds allowing a diversity of stable compounds to exist.

• Outline the number and type of bond carbon can form with other atoms.​

2.1.U3  Life is based on carbon compounds including carbohydrates, lipids proteins and nucleic acids.

• List the four major classes of carbon compounds used by living organisms.

2.1.U4  Metabolism is the web of all the enzyme-catalyzed reactions in a cell or organism.

• Define metabolism and catalysis.
• State the role of enzymes in metabolism.

2.1.U5  Anabolism is the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler molecules including the formation of macromolecules from monomers by condensation reactions.

• Define anabolism, monomer and polymer.
• Describe condensation (dehydration synthesis) reactions.
• Using simple shapes to represent monomers, diagram a condensation reaction.​

2.1.U6  Catabolism is the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler molecules including the hydrolysis of macromolecules into monomers.

• Define catabolism.
• Contrast anabolism and catabolism.
• Describe hydrolysis reactions.
• Using simple shapes to represent monomers, diagram a hydrolysis reaction.

2.1.A1  Urea as an example of a compound that is produced by living organisms but can also be artificially synthesized.

• Draw the molecular structure of urea.
• Describe how urea can be synthesized by living and artificial mechanisms.

2.1.S1  Drawing molecular diagrams of glucose, ribose, a saturated fatty acid and a generalized amino acid. 
*for carbohydrates
* for lipids

• Draw the molecular diagram of ribose.
• Draw the molecular diagram of alpha-glucose.
• Draw the molecular diagram of a saturated fatty acid.
• Identify the carboxyl and methyl groups on a fatty acid.
• Draw the generalized structure of an amino acid.
• Label the amine group, carboxyl group, alpha carbon and R group on an amino acid.​

2.1.S2  Identification of biochemical such as sugars, lipids, or amino acids from molecular drawings.
​*for carbs
​*for lipids

• Identify the four major classes of carbon compounds used by living organisms from given diagrams (examples will include D-ribose, alpha glucose, beta glucose, trigylcerides, phospholipids and steroids).
• State the generalized chemical formula of the carbohydrates.
• Identify the following carbohydrates from molecular drawings:  D-ribose, alpha glucose, beta glucose, cellulose, glycogen, amylose starch and amylopectin starch.
• Compare the relative amount of oxygen atoms in lipids to the amount in carbohydrates.
• Identify the following lipids from molecular drawings:  triglycerides, phospholipids and steroids.​

2.1.NOS  Falsification of theories- the artificial synthesis of urea helped to falsify vitalism.

• Define vitalism.
• Explain the role of urea in the falsification of vitalism.

In the News:

• ​Researchers take small step toward silicon-based life (2016-03-18)​