Chapter 3: Biological Molecules

By the end of this Chapter, you will be able to:

• Identify and describe the four major classes of biological macromolecules—carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids—and explain their roles in living organisms.
• Explain the significance of carbon in biological molecules, including its bonding properties that contribute to molecular diversity and complexity.
• Differentiate between dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis, describing how these processes contribute to the formation and breakdown of macromolecules in living systems.
• Analyze the structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, including the role of monomers, polymers, and specific examples such as glucose, triglycerides, and enzymes.
• Compare and contrast the structure, components, and functions of DNA and RNA, explaining their roles in genetic information storage and protein synthesis.