Biomolecules: Building Blocks of Life

Study Notes

Living organisms are composed of inorganic and organic biomolecules, which play crucial roles in metabolism.
Inorganic biomolecules include water, minerals, and are characterized as micro-biomolecules (small, low molecular weight, water-soluble, and diffusible).
Organic biomolecules can be micro (e.g., monosugars, amino acids) or macro-biomolecules (large, high molecular weight, insoluble or slightly soluble, and non-diffusible, e.g., proteins, fats, nucleic acids).

Water makes up 70-90% of the cellular pool and 65% of the human body.
Water is composed of H and O in a 2:1 ratio.
95% of water is found in its free state, while 5% is bound in combined form within cells.
Water is essential for sustaining life processes and is thus called the "elixir or cradle of life".

Oxygen is primarily utilized in aerobic cell respiration within mitochondria to produce energy-rich ATP molecules.
Oxygen is essential for life, and without it, only 5% of energy available is released.

Sodium chloride plays important roles in metabolic functions, especially in its ionic form.

Carbohydrates are organic compounds composed of C, H, and O in a 1:2:1 ratio.
Carbohydrates are commonly referred to as saccharides (Greek: saccharon = sugar).
Carbohydrates serve as main storage molecules and are used as a primary fuel source, releasing energy to sustain life by breaking their bonds.