Biomolecules Overview

Study Notes

Organic compounds that constitute the molecules of life, primarily composed of carbon and hydrogen.
Major categories include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides are polymers made from repeated monomers.

Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; some contain phosphorus.
Function: Long-term energy storage, insulation, cushioning organs, and forming cell membranes.
Building blocks: Fatty acids and glycerol.
Examples:
- Triglycerides: Main energy source; includes fats (animal origin) and oils (plant origin).
- Waxes: Water-repellent substances.
- Phospholipids: Key components of cell membranes.
- Steroids: Includes cholesterol and hormones (testosterone, progesterone).
Types of fats:
- Saturated fats: Solid at room temperature (e.g., butter, lard).
- Unsaturated fats: Liquid at room temperature; usually plant-based oils (e.g., olive oil).
- Trans fats: Artificially hydrogenated oils found in margarine and processed foods.

Serve various functions such as structural support, movement, transport, defense, catalysis, and signaling.
Building blocks: Amino acids (20 different types).
Examples:
- Structural proteins: Collagen, keratin.
- Transport proteins: Hemoglobin.
- Enzymes: Amylase, insulin.
- Antibodies for immune defense.
Proteins consist of peptides (2-50 amino acids) and polypeptides (51 or more amino acids).
Protein folding is critical for function and stability within cells.

Common modifications include:
- Cleavage of the protein backbone.
- Glycosylation: Addition of sugar moieties.
- Phosphorylation: Addition of phosphate groups, involved in signaling and apoptosis.
- Acetylation, ubiquitination, and methylation: Affect protein stability, folding, and activity.
These modifications are essential for proper protein function and cellular signaling.

Common nanocarriers for delivering drugs into target cells or subcellular compartments, used in treatments for cancer and infectious diseases, as well as in skincare products.