Biomolecules and Lipids in Living Organisms

Study Notes

Here is a summary of the text in detailed bullet points:

• Organisms are composed of cells, and these cells are made up of simple elements such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

• These elements come from the food we eat, and they are essential for body functions.

• Biomolecules are any organic molecule present in a living cell that is essential for body functions and can be manufactured within the body itself.

• Biomolecules are polymers made from monomers, similar to how walls are composed of hollow blocks.

• There are four types of biomolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

• Carbohydrates are essential nutrients that include sugars, fibers, and starches, and are the main sources of energy for the body.

• Carbohydrates have the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and their monomers are monosaccharides, while their polymers are polysaccharides.

• The functions of carbohydrates include short-term energy storage and providing structure.

• Simple carbohydrates have one or two sugar molecules, such as glucose, fructose, and galactose.

• Complex carbohydrates, also known as polysaccharides, include starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

• Lipids are a family of organic compounds composed of fats and oils, necessary to maintain cell membranes and provide energy.

• Lipids have the same components as carbohydrates but have a different molecular structure, making them harder to break down.

• Lipids are composed of glycerol and fatty acids, and their monomers are glycerol and fatty acids, while their polymers are triglycerides.

• The functions of lipids include long-term energy storage, forming cell membranes, and providing insulation and waterproofing.

• Simple lipids are esters of fatty acids with various alcohols, including fats and oils, and waxes.

• Complex lipids are esters of fatty acids containing groups in addition to alcohol and fatty acid, including phospholipids, glycolipids, and lipoproteins.

• Fatty acids are carboxylic acids with aliphatic tails, and can be saturated or unsaturated, depending on the presence of double bonds.

• Saturated fatty acids have single bonds, are solid at room temperature, and are usually from animal sources.

• Unsaturated fatty acids have double bonds, are liquid at room temperature, and are usually from plant sources.

• Steroids are a type of lipid that includes cholesterol, which is essential for the structural component of the cell membrane and the basis of synthesis of other steroids.

• Olive oil is 100% fat, but is considered healthy due to its composition of unsaturated fatty acids.

• The type of fat consumed is more important than the amount of fat consumed in terms of impact on weight, cholesterol, and risk of heart disease.- Cis and trans configurations of molecules refer to their 3D shape, which affects how they interact with the body.

Trans fats, also known as partially hydrogenated fats, are created by partially hydrogenating unsaturated fats and are unhealthy due to their shape, being worse for health than saturated fats.
Foods containing trans fats can be identified by the presence of "partially hydrogenated" in the ingredients list, as nutrition labels and advertising may be misleading.
The FDA allows manufacturers to claim "zero grams of trans fat" if a product contains up to half a gram per serving, making it essential to check the ingredients list.
Olive oil is 100% fat, mostly unsaturated, and contains no trans fats, making it a healthy option.
Pancake mix, on the other hand, contains over 50% saturated or trans fats, making it an unhealthy option despite having less fat overall than olive oil.
The health impact of a fat depends on its molecular shape, not just its quantity, and understanding the type of fat is crucial for making healthy choices.

Description

This quiz covers the basics of biomolecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, and their functions in living organisms. Learn about the different types of biomolecules, their composition, and their impact on our health.