NextPrevious

Basics of Biology

Molecules 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.