Biochemistry, The Molecular Basis of Life, 6th Edition
Biochemistry, The Molecular Basis of Life, 6th Edition
6th Edition
ISBN: 9780190259204
Author: Trudy McKee, James R. McKee
Publisher: Oxford University Press
bartleby

Videos

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 1, Problem 1RQ
Summary Introduction

To review:

Definition of the following biological terminologies:

a. Biomolecule

b. Macromolecule

c. Enzyme

d. Metabolism

e. Homeostasis

Introduction:

A living organism is able to sustain and regulate its biological functions due to variety and diversity of biomolecules present in living organisms. Most biomolecules present in cell are proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and nucleic acids, these biomolecules govern life by functioning together in a coordinated manner in a living organism. In biological system, these biomolecules further form complex structures giving rise to structural and functional components of cell, tissues, and organs. 

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

Following are the definitions for the biological terminologies:

a. Biomolecule:

These are the molecules found in the living organisms and are vital for the functioning, growth, development, and regulation of the living system. These contain macromolecules like proteins, carbohydrates, fats (lipids) and nucleic acids. Biomolecules consist of inorganic and organic components: inorganic component consist of water, ions like (Na+), potassium (K+), magnesium (Mg2+), and calcium (Ca2+), and organic component consist carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.

b. Macromolecule:

These are large molecules as they are comprised of thousands of atoms which makes them a complete molecule. For example, in a biological system proteins and nucleic acids are macromolecules.

c. Enzyme:

Enzyme is defined as a biological catalyst (protein molecules) enhances the rate of a chemical reaction but enzymes are not permanently changed by the reaction. Enzymes do this by decreasing activation energy required for a chemical reaction and couple with substrate forms enzyme substrate complex and finally convert them into products.

d. Metabolism:

In order to regulate and maintain life, there are various reactions which undergo within a living system. This involves the synthesis of new compounds and breakdown of other molecules. All these reactions occur within the body and are referred to as a metabolic reaction and phenomenon is called metabolism.

e. Homeostasis:

A physiological process in which equilibrium condition is maintained or constant internal environment is maintained within a living organism.

Conclusion

Biomolecules, macromolecules, enzymes are the biological molecules while metabolism and homeostasis are the biological processes essential to maintain the integrity and efficiency of biological system.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Show work. don't give Ai generated solution....give correct solution
Biochemistry What is the process of "transamination" in either the muscles or the liver, that involves keto acid or glutamic acid? Please explain how the steps work. Thank you!
Biochemistry Please help. Thank you What is the importance of glutamic acid in the metabolism of nitrogen from amino acids? (we know therole; it’s used to remove the nitrogen from amino acids so that the remaining carbon skeleton can bebroken down by the “usual” pathways, but what is the important, unique role that only glutamicacid/glutamate can do?)
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biochemistry
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biochemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Basic Clinical Laboratory Techniques 6E
Biology
ISBN:9781133893943
Author:ESTRIDGE
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Principles Of Pharmacology Med Assist
Biology
ISBN:9781337512442
Author:RICE
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Principles Of Radiographic Imaging: An Art And A ...
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781337711067
Author:Richard R. Carlton, Arlene M. Adler, Vesna Balac
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Essentials of Pharmacology for Health Professions
Nursing
ISBN:9781305441620
Author:WOODROW
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Essentials Of Human Development
Biology
ISBN:9781285647357
Author:Kail
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Biomedical Instrumentation Systems
Chemistry
ISBN:9781133478294
Author:Chatterjee
Publisher:Cengage
DNA Use In Forensic Science; Author: DeBacco University;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YIG3lUP-74;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY
Analysing forensic evidence | The Laboratory; Author: Wellcome Collection;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68Y-OamcTJ8;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY