Introduction

The study of biology includes the molecular level. In your study of this topic, you will learn about important molecules for life, including water, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. You will investigate the following questions during your study of this topic:

Why is water essential for living things?
What is the difference between carbohydrates, proteins, and fats?
What is diabetes?
What is a calorie?

What You Will Learn and Accomplish By the End of the Module

2.1 The Building Blocks of Molecules

Distinguish among the locations and charges of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Compare and contrast ionic, covalent, and hydrogen bonds.
Explain how the radioactive isotope Carbon-14 is used to determine the age of fossils.

2.2 Water

Describe the properties of water that are critical to maintaining life
Understand the importance of hydrogen bonds to the properties of water

2.3 Biological Molecules

Summarize the structure and function of carbohydrates.
Summarize the structure and function of lipids.
Summarize the structure and function of proteins.
Summarize the two main types of nucleic acids and describe their biological functions.