Both the chair and living organism contain the same fundamental units of matter called protons, electrons, and neutrons that make up atoms.
Atoms make up large molecules that are the substances of life.
At the macromolecular level of life, a difference starts to emerge between living and nonliving material. DNA holds the secrets of life. Encoded in the DNA sequence is information for numerous proteins that have both structural and regulatory functions. Among the proteins found in cells are enzymes that catalyze biochemical reaction. Enzymes speed up the rate of a reaction that allows life to continue.