| Biological Molecules |
| Source | PCCAL, Welsh School of Pharmacy |
| ISBN: | 0 9532751 6 7 |
| Versions Available | Internet |
| Programmers/Subject Specialists | Robert Stevens, Anthony Berry David Lewis, Helen Hartley |
| Summary | |
 Screen shot from the package |
Biological Molecules provides an introduction to the
structures and properties of molecules which are common to all biological
systems. The package is intended for use on foundation courses in
Life Science degree schemes and is aimed particularly at students
entering such courses without advanced-level Biology or equivalent
qualifications. The package is suitable for students studying advanced-level
Biology or equivalent who would like to extend their knowledge beyond
the existing syllabus. The tutorial material is interspersed at key points with optional self-assessment questions that enable students to monitor their own progress. |
| Contents |
| 1. Bonding |
| 2. Isomerism and Chirality |
| 3. Nucleic acids |
| 4. Proteins |
| 5. Carbohydrates |
| Summary of Section |
| Bonding |
| Bonding outlines atomic structure and provides an introduction to the forces governing intramolecular and intermolecular bonding . The program is intended to remind students of the relevance to biological systems of material studied in GCSE and A-level chemistry courses. Ionic, covalent and hydrogen bonding, and van de Waals forces are discussed and illustrated with the aid of both 2D and 3D pictures and animations. |
| Isomerism |
| The program discusses structural and optical isomerism in the context of biological systems. The importance of molecular specificity in biology is considered. Structurally specific drug molecules are used as examples. |
| Nucleic Acids |
| The program describes the structure and composition of nucleic acids and their function as information macromolecules in cells. The structures and functions of DNA and RNA, the transcription of DNA into RNA, and the role of RNA in translation of mRNA to produce polypeptides are described and illustrated with 2D and 3D stills and animations. |
| Proteins |
| The structures and functions of amino acids, peptides and proteins are described. Primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary protein structure is discussed and illustrated with 2D and 3D stills and animations. The nature and function of glycoproteins and lipoproteins are included, but the role of proteins as enzymes is not covered in this introductory program. |
| Carbohydrates |
| The program discusses carbohydrate nomenclature and their biological roles and provides a structural classification. Monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides are described and illustrated with 2D and 3D stills and animations of common examples from both plants and animals. |
| Lipids |
| Lipids are considered under the headings: simple lipids, phospholipids, glycolipids and sterols. The structural features and functions of each group are considered, and illustrated by biologically important examples, with particular reference to membranes. |