Principles of Biology |
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The chemistry of life To understand the mechanism of life, or how living organisms manage to reproduce, grow, move, think, eat and do whatever it is that they are doing, biologists can apply chemistry and physics to the molecules of life. The important foundation for any biologist who wants to understand mechanisms are based on the answers to the following questions:
Understanding the physics and chemistry of biologically important molecules allows insight into the structure and function of cells. The 20th century has made great progress in molecular biology and biochemistry. The 21st century will make great progress in putting the molecular pieces together and reconnect classical biology with molecular biology and the whole with its parts, a science called systems biology. Biological macromolecules are defining the properties of cells. These molecules include proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids. The properties they convey are enzymatic activity (metabolism), genetic inheritance, reproduction, and cell growth, and energy storage and conversion and interaction with the environment. All living organisms use the same four types of macromolecules for cellular metabolism and reproduction. Together, they illustrate the commonalties of life on earth. The way they are used in different forms and combinations explains today's variety or biodiversity. Both aspects, sameness and variety, are the result of biological evolution. H
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