Basics of BiologyMolecules and Biology |
What role do bonds have in bioorganic molecules? |
Bonds are important to the structure of many bioorganic molecules. Because chemical reactions involve electron activity at the subatomic level, a molecule’s shape often determines function. For example, morphine has a shape similar to an endorphin, a naturally occurring molecule in the brain. Endorphins are pain suppressant molecules; thus, morphine essentially mimics the function of endorphins and can be used as a potent pain reliever.