Biological Molecules Overview

Biological Molecules: Building Blocks of Life

• Biological molecules are the chemical compounds crucial for life processes.
• Primarily organic compounds, mostly composed of carbon atoms.
• The four major classes are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
• These four classes are essential to life and comprise the critical molecules for cell function like metabolism and cell division.
• Main elements:
  • Carbohydrates: C, H, O
  • Lipids: C, H, O
  • Proteins: C, H, O, N, S
  • Nucleic acids: C, H, O, N, P
• 96% of human body mass is composed of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen

Monomers and Polymers

• Monomers are small units that combine to form larger molecules, like polymers.
• Important monomers include monosaccharides (sugars), amino acids, and nucleotides..
• Polymers are long, complex molecules with repeating monomer units.
• Polymers can be homogenous (same monomers) or heterogenous (different monomers).
  • Examples of homogenous polymers: carbohydrates, proteins.
  • Lipids are an example of a heterogenous polymer.

Functions of Biological Molecules

• Carbohydrates: Primary energy source, structural roles (e.g., cell walls).
• Lipids: Energy storage, insulation, structural component of cell membranes.
• Proteins: Diverse functions, including enzymes (catalysts), transport, structural support, and gene regulation.
• Nucleic acids: Genetic material (DNA and RNA), carry genetic information.

Structure of Biological Molecules

• Carbohydrates: Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio. Can be simple sugars or complex carbohydrates (e.g., starch).
• Lipids: Made up of fatty acids and glycerol. Non-polar molecules (don't mix with water).
• Proteins: Composed of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Structure dictates function.
• Nucleic acids: Composed of nucleotides (sugar, phosphate group, nitrogenous base). Nucleotide sequence determines genetic information.

Relationship between Biological Molecules and Enzymes

• Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions (catalysts).
• Enzymes are specific to substrates (molecules they work on).
• Enzymes can break down or build biological molecules, such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of biological molecules, which are essential for life. It explores the four major classes: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, along with their key components. Additionally, it discusses the relationship between monomers and polymers in forming complex biological structures.