Biomolecules Overview

Study Notes

Biomolecules

1. Definition

Biomolecules are organic molecules that are essential for life.
They are mainly composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.

2. Types of Biomolecules

Carbohydrates
- Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (C, H, O).
- Functions:
  - Energy storage (e.g., starch, glycogen).
  - Structural components (e.g., cellulose in plants, chitin in fungi).
- Monosaccharides (simple sugars) → Disaccharides → Polysaccharides.
Proteins
- Made of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
- Functions:
  - Catalysts (enzymes).
  - Structural support (collagen).
  - Transport (hemoglobin).
  - Defense (antibodies).
- Structure levels:
  - Primary (amino acid sequence).
  - Secondary (alpha helices and beta sheets).
  - Tertiary (3D folding).
  - Quaternary (multiple polypeptides).
Lipids
- Hydrophobic molecules, primarily made of hydrocarbons.
- Functions:
  - Energy storage (triglycerides).
  - Membrane structure (phospholipids).
  - Signaling molecules (steroids).
- Includes fats, oils, waxes, and phospholipids.
Nucleic Acids
- Composed of nucleotides (sugar, phosphate group, nitrogenous base).
- Types:
  - DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): stores genetic information.
  - RNA (ribonucleic acid): involved in protein synthesis.
- Functions:
  - Genetic information transfer.
  - Protein encoding.

3. Importance of Biomolecules

Serve as the building blocks of cells and tissues.
Play critical roles in metabolism, energy transfer, and information storage.
Essential for growth, development, and reproduction of organisms.

4. Interactions and Relationships

Biomolecules interact through various biochemical pathways.
Enzymes (proteins) facilitate reactions involving substrates (often other biomolecules).
Metabolic pathways integrate the functions of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

5. Applications

Biotechnology (e.g., genetic engineering using nucleic acids).
Medicine (e.g., drug design targeting specific proteins).
Nutrition (understanding dietary sources of biomolecules).

Definition of Biomolecules

Organic molecules critical for life functions.
Composed primarily of elements: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.

Types of Biomolecules

Carbohydrates
- Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (C, H, O).
- Serve multiple functions:
  - Energy storage: starch in plants, glycogen in animals.
  - Structural roles: cellulose in plant cell walls, chitin in fungal structures.
- categorized into monosaccharides (simple sugars), disaccharides, and polysaccharides.
Proteins
- Formed from amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
- Diverse functions include:
  - Catalyzing biochemical reactions (enzymes).
  - Providing structural support (collagen in connective tissues).
  - Transporting substances (hemoglobin in blood).
  - Acting in defense (antibodies in immune response).
- Structure levels include:
  - Primary: linear sequence of amino acids.
  - Secondary: local folding patterns such as alpha helices and beta sheets.
  - Tertiary: overall three-dimensional shape.
  - Quaternary: assembly of multiple polypeptide chains.
Lipids
- Hydrophobic molecules mainly composed of hydrocarbons.
- Functions include:
  - Energy storage, particularly as triglycerides.
  - Forming cellular membranes via phospholipids.
  - Acting as signaling molecules (steroids).
- Categories include fats, oils, waxes, and phospholipids.
Nucleic Acids
- Composed of nucleotides, which consist of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.
- Two primary types:
  - DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): serves as the genetic blueprint, storing genetic information.
  - RNA (ribonucleic acid): plays a crucial role in protein synthesis processes.
- Functions encompass genetic information transfer and protein encoding.

Importance of Biomolecules

Fundamental building blocks of all living cells and tissues.
Essential roles in metabolism, energy transfers, and storage of genetic information.
Critical for organism growth, development, and reproduction.

Interactions and Relationships

Biomolecules engage in complex biochemical networks.
Enzymes, which are proteins, facilitate substrate reactions involving other biomolecules.
Metabolic pathways interconnect the functionalities of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Applications

Biotechnology uses biomolecules for genetic engineering and cloning.
Medicine employs biomolecular research for drug design and therapies targeting specific proteins.
Nutrition focuses on the dietary implications of biomolecules in health and wellness.

Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of biomolecules, including their definitions and types such as carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Understand their structures, functions, and the essential roles they play in biological systems. Test your knowledge on the various categories and characteristics of these organic molecules.