BIOC 2580 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Molar Mass, Myoglobin, Macromolecule
14 Jun 2016
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Synopsis: molecules of interest to biochemists may be classified as small molecules and macromolecules. Small molecules are similar to those encountered in conventional organic chemistry, and are important in metabolism, which we deal with in the second half of the course. Macromolecules are by comparison huge - molar mass from 104 to over 109 g. mol-1. What makes it possible to comprehend structures of this magnitude is their modular construction from much simpler smaller molecular units. The basis of macromolecule assembly is the reversible formation of certain kinds of bonds, e. g. ester or amide bonds to link up smaller subunits into long chains. Reading: lehninger"s principles of biochemistry, 5th ed p. 11-14. Sugars, amino acids, nucleotides, fatty acids, simple carboxylic acid derivatives. Interconversions of small molecules may be used to store or release energy, which is the basis of metabolism. Particular kinds of small molecules may serve as building blocks for macromolecules.
