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Biology

Introduction

BiologyIntroduction
Photo shows a variety of cheeses, fruits, and breads served on a tray.
Figure 3.1 Foods such as bread, fruit, and cheese are rich sources of biological macromolecules. (credit: modification of work by Bengt Nyman)

Chapter Outline

3.1 Synthesis of Biological Macromolecules
3.2 Carbohydrates
3.3 Lipids
3.4 Proteins
3.5 Nucleic Acids

Food provides the body with the nutrients it needs to survive. Many of these critical nutrients are biological macromolecules, or large molecules, necessary for life. These macromolecules (polymers) are built from different combinations of smaller organic molecules (monomers). What specific types of biological macromolecules do living things require? How are these molecules formed? What functions do they serve? In this chapter, these questions will be explored.

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