Biomolecules
Read the topic background here, then explore the labeled visual and structured learning explanations on this page.
Read explanation on this page ↓ See diagram ↓Biomolecule — on-site reading
This reference extract addresses Biomolecule, a related subject. It does not cover every part of Biomolecules.. The article introduction is reproduced here, so you do not need to leave MedAtlas to read it. It may not match the latest official medical guidance.
A biomolecule or biological molecule is loosely defined as a molecule produced by a living organism and essential to one or more typically biological processes. Biomolecules include large macromolecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, as well as small molecules such as vitamins and hormones. A general name for this class of material is biological materials. Biomolecules are an important element of living organisms. They are often endogenous, i.e. produced within the organism, but organisms usually also need exogenous biomolecules, for example certain nutrients, to survive.
Biomolecules and their reactions are studied in biology and its subfields of biochemistry and molecular biology. Most biomolecules are organic compounds, and just four elements—oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen—make up 96% of the human body's mass. But many other elements, such as the various biometals, are also present in small amounts.
The uniformity of both specific types of molecules (the biomolecules) and of certain metabolic pathways are invariant features among the wide diversity of life forms; thus these biomolecules and metabolic pathways are referred to as "biochemical universals" or "theory of material unity of the living beings", a unifying concept in biology, along with cell theory and evolution theory.
How this connects to Biochemistry
To study this topic responsibly, identify its normal structure or function, distinguish the main mechanism from its observable consequences, and ask which data can test a competing explanation. The subject foundations below outline these connections without pretending to be a specialist textbook chapter.
Text credit: Wikipedia contributors, “Biomolecule”, original article · authors & revision history · CC BY-SA 4.0. Unmodified opening extract, accessed 24 September 2026. This Wikipedia-derived section is provided under CC BY-SA 4.0; the independent MedAtlas notes and design are separate works.
Biomolecules · visual study map
Scalable vector illustration. Labeled conceptual map, not a precise anatomical, histological or diagnostic image.The wording in this learning map is adapted from the attributed Wikipedia background section below (CC BY-SA 4.0).
What the underlying subject studies
Biochemistry explains biological function through molecules, enzymes, energetic coupling and regulation. Map the principal substrates and products of a reaction, identify the relevant cellular compartment, and distinguish direct energy output from energy transferred to cofactors.
How mechanisms and evidence connect
Metabolic pathways form a network rather than isolated cycles. A pathway’s flux depends on enzyme activity, substrate availability, hormonal signals, cell type and the body’s nutritional or disease state. Single reaction diagrams intentionally simplify complex regulation.
How to develop a sound explanation
For study, draw input → key steps → output. Mark where energy is invested or recovered, identify irreversible or regulated steps, and relate abnormal biomarkers to possible processes without using them alone to diagnose a patient.
References and verification (optional)
All reading material on this page appears above. The links below are for checking the primary syllabus, research or source attribution, not requirements for opening this lesson.
NMC official CBME Curriculum 2024 and current regulations index ↗