Unit 1 of 8

The Chemistry of Life

Foundations of Biology

Explore the chemical foundations of life, from atoms and molecules to the complex macromolecules that make up all living organisms.

5 Chapters

28 Hours

Olympiad 4/5

Key Themes

Chemical bonds and water properties
Carbon chemistry and organic molecules
Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids
Structure-function relationships

Chapter RangeCh. 1 - 5

Olympiad RelevanceHigh

Chapters in This Unit

5 chapters covering foundations of biology

Evolution, the Themes of Biology, and Scientific Inquiry

4h3/5foundational

Themes connecting biology • Evolution as core theme

The Chemical Context of Life

5h4/5foundational

Matter, elements, and compounds • Atomic structure and electron shells

Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life

4h4/5foundational

Carbon atom versatility • Hydrocarbons and functional groups

Structure and Function of Large Biological Molecules

8h5/5intermediate

Carbohydrate structure and function • Lipid diversity - fats, phospholipids, steroids

Structure and Function of Macromolecules

5h5/5intermediate

Polymer synthesis and hydrolysis • Dehydration and condensation reactions

What You'll Master in Unit 1

Chemical bonds and water properties

Carbon chemistry and organic molecules

Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids

Structure-function relationships

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Unit 2: The Cell

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