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 Stuff of Life

* Summary: Introduces the concept of molecules and their role as the building blocks of life. Explains that all living organisms are composed of molecules, which are themselves made up of atoms. Provides examples of different types of molecules, such as water, DNA, and proteins.
* Real Example: Water is a molecule composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. It is essential for life and makes up about 60% of the human body.

Chapter 2: The Structure of Molecules

* Summary: Describes the structure of molecules, including the arrangement of atoms and the bonds that hold them together. Discusses different types of chemical bonds, such as covalent bonds, ionic bonds, and hydrogen bonds.
* Real Example: The covalent bond between the hydrogen and oxygen atoms in water results in a polar molecule, meaning it has slightly positive and negative ends. This polarity allows water molecules to form hydrogen bonds with each other, which makes water a good solvent.

Chapter 3: The Properties of Molecules

* Summary: Explores the properties of molecules, such as their shape, size, and polarity. Explains how these properties influence their interactions with each other and with their environment.
* Real Example: The shape of a protein molecule determines its function. For instance, the active site of an enzyme is a specific shape that allows it to bind to and catalyze reactions with specific substrates.

Chapter 4: Chemical Reactions

* Summary: Describes chemical reactions, the processes by which molecules change and form new molecules. Discusses the different types of chemical reactions, such as synthesis, decomposition, and exchange reactions.
* Real Example: The reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to form water is a synthesis reaction. This reaction releases energy in the form of heat and light.

Chapter 5: Metabolism

* Summary: Explores metabolism, the set of chemical reactions that occur in living organisms to convert nutrients into energy and build new molecules. Discusses the two main types of metabolism, catabolism (breakdown) and anabolism (synthesis).
* Real Example: Glycolysis, the first step in cellular respiration, is a catabolic reaction that breaks down glucose to produce energy in the form of ATP.

Chapter 6: Macromolecules

* Summary: Introduces macromolecules, large molecules that are essential for life. Discusses the different types of macromolecules, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.
* Real Example: Collagen, a protein, is a major component of connective tissues and provides strength and flexibility.

Chapter 7: The Cell

* Summary: Explores the cell, the basic unit of life. Discusses the different structures and functions of cells, including the cell membrane, nucleus, and organelles.
* Real Example: The Golgi apparatus is an organelle that modifies proteins and lipids before they are secreted from the cell.

Chapter 8: Molecular Biology

* Summary: Introduces molecular biology, the study of the molecular basis of life. Discusses the role of DNA and RNA in storing and transmitting genetic information.
* Real Example: The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a molecular biology technique used to amplify specific regions of DNA, enabling the detection and analysis of gene sequences.

Chapter 9: Genetic Engineering

* Summary: Explores genetic engineering, the process of manipulating the genetic material of organisms. Discusses the different techniques used for genetic engineering, including gene cloning and gene therapy.
* Real Example: Insulin, a hormone used to treat diabetes, can now be produced using recombinant DNA technology, in which the human insulin gene is inserted into bacteria that then produce the hormone for pharmaceutical use.