Molecules

Synopsis

In his highly anticipated sequel to The Elements, Theodore Gray demonstrates how the elements of the periodic table combine to form the molecules that make up our world.

Everything physical is made up of the elements and the infinite variety of molecules they form when they combine with each other. In Molecules, Theodore Gray takes the next step in the grand story that began with the periodic table in his best-selling book, The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe. Here, he explores through fascinating stories and trademark stunning photography the most interesting, essential, useful, and beautiful of the millions of chemical structures that make up every material in the world.

Gray begins with an explanation of how atoms bond to form molecules and compounds, as well as the difference between organic and inorganic chemistry. He then goes on to explore the vast array of materials molecules can create, including: soaps and solvents; goops and oils; rocks and ores; ropes and fibers; painkillers and dangerous drugs; sweeteners; perfumes and stink bombs; colors and pigments; and controversial compounds including asbestos, CFCs, and thimerosal.

Big, gorgeous photographs, as well as diagrams of the compounds and their chemical bonds, rendered with never before seen beauty, fill the pages and capture molecules in their various states.

As he did in The Elements, Gray shows us molecules as we've never seen them before. It's the perfect book for his loyal fans who've been eager for more and for anyone fascinated with the mysteries of the material world.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Molecular Basis of Life

* Definition of a molecule: A group of atoms held together by chemical bonds.
* Importance of molecules in life: Molecules are the basic building blocks of all living organisms, performing essential functions such as energy storage and metabolism.
* Example: Glucose, a sugar molecule that provides energy for cells.

Chapter 2: The Properties of Water

* Unique properties of water: Water has unusual properties, including high surface tension, high specific heat capacity, and the ability to form hydrogen bonds.
* Importance of water in life: Water is essential for life, making up about 60% of the human body and providing a medium for chemical reactions.
* Example: Water forms the basis of many biological fluids, such as blood and urine.

Chapter 3: Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life

* The uniqueness of carbon: Carbon has the ability to form four covalent bonds, giving it the versatility to create an immense diversity of molecules.
* Biological molecules containing carbon: Carbon is the backbone of all biological molecules, including carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.
* Example: DNA, a carbon-based molecule that carries genetic information.

Chapter 4: Molecular Structure and Function

* Shape and function: The three-dimensional shape of a molecule determines its function.
* Non-covalent interactions: Weak interactions, such as hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions, play a crucial role in stabilizing molecular structures and facilitating biological processes.
* Example: The double helix structure of DNA is maintained by hydrogen bonds and other non-covalent interactions.

Chapter 5: Biological Macromolecules

* Carbohydrates: Provide energy and structural support in plants and animals.
* Proteins: Play a diverse range of roles, including structural, enzymatic, and regulatory functions.
* Lipids: Insulate cells and store energy.
* Nucleic acids: Carry genetic information and direct protein synthesis.
* Example: Collagen, a protein that provides structural support in bones and tendons.

Chapter 6: Energy and Metabolism

* Energy flow in living organisms: Energy is captured from sunlight or food and used to power cellular processes.
* Metabolic pathways: Sequences of chemical reactions that convert molecules from one form to another.
* Enzymes: Proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions.
* Example: Glycolysis, a metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose to release energy.

Chapter 7: Molecular Genetics

* DNA and RNA: The molecules that carry genetic information.
* Gene expression: The process of converting genetic information into functional proteins.
* Mutation and genetic variation: Changes in genetic material can lead to changes in proteins and, ultimately, in organism traits.
* Example: The cystic fibrosis gene mutation results in a defective protein that affects the function of the lungs and other organs.

Chapter 8: Biotechnology and Genomics

* Biotechnology: The application of biological knowledge to develop new technologies.
* Genomics: The study of the entire genome of an organism.
* Genetic engineering: The manipulation of genetic material to create new organisms or modify existing ones.
* Example: The development of genetically modified crops that are resistant to pests or drought.

Chapter 9: The Cell

* Basic structure of a cell: Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have different levels of organization.
* Organelles: Specialized structures within cells that perform specific functions.
* Cell division: The process by which cells divide to produce new cells.
* Example: The nucleus, an organelle that contains the cell's genetic material.